Kagig nodded without any symptom of annoyance or reproach.

"There is an ancient castle in the hills up yonder," he said, "in
which there may be many Armenians hiding."

He took it for granted we would go and find out, and Maga recognized
the drift.

"Very well," she said. "Let that one go, and that one," pointing
at Fred and me.

"You'll appreciate, of course," said Monty, "that it's out of the
question for us to go forward until we know where that lady is."

Kagig bowed gravely.

"I am needed at Zeitoon," he answered.

Then Maga broke in shrilly, pointing at Will:

"Take that one for hostage!" she advised. "Bring him along to Zeitoon.
Then the rest will follow!"

Kagig looked gravely at her.

"I shall take this one," he answered, laying a respectful hand on
Monty's sleeve. "Effendi, you are an Eenglis lord. Be your life
and comfort on my head, but I need a hostage for my nation's sake.
You others--I admit the urgency--shall hunt the missionary lady.