give you a flat refusal within a day or two. Now--suit yourself."

"I have told the truth--Zeitoon--caves--boar--antelope--wild boar.
I am a very good guide. You shall pay me handsomely."

"Sure, we'll ante up like foreigners. But why do you make the proposal?
What's behind it?"

"I never saw you until this afternoon. You are Eenglis sportmen.
I can show good sport. You shall pay me. Could it be simpler?"

It seemed to me we had been within an ace of discovery, but the man's
mind had closed again against us in obedience to some racial or religious
instinct outside our comprehension. He had been on the verge of
taking us into confidence.

"Let the sportmen think it over," he said, getting up. "Jannam!
(My soul!) Effendi, when I was a younger man none could have made
me half such a sportmanlike proposal without an answer on the instant!
A man fit to strike the highway with his foot should be a judge of
men! I have judged you fit to be invited! Now you judge me--the
Eye of Zeitoon!"

"What is your real name?"

"I have none--or many, which is the same thing! I did not ask your
names; they are your own affair!"

He stood with his hand on the door, not irresolute, but taking one
last look at us and our belongings.