Donovan Pasha, and Some People of Egypt — Volume 2 by Gilbert Parker
page 36 of 78 (46%)
page 36 of 78 (46%)
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ha'pence as kicks, and many cast-off underclothes and cigarettes.
Thus it was that before Dicky had arranged what he should do, though plans were fusing in his brain, he said to Mahommed Yeleb seriously, as befitting the crime Sowerby had committed--evenly, as befitted the influence he wished to have over the Arab: "Keep your tongue between your teeth, Mahommed. We will pull him through all right." "But, effendi, whom God honour, for greatness is in all thy ways, friend of the Commander of the Faithful as thou art--but, saadat el basha, if he be dead?" "He is not dead. I know it by the eyes of my mind, Mahommed--yea, by the hairs of my head, he is not dead!" "Saadat el basha, thou art known as the truth-teller and the incorruptible--this is the word of the Egyptian and of the infidel concerning thee. I kiss thy feet. For it is true he hath deserved death, but woe be to him by whom his death cometh! And am I not his servant to be with him while he hath life, and hath need of me? If thou sayest he is alive, then is he alive, and my heart rejoices." Dicky scarcely heard what the Arab said, for the quick conviction he had had that Sowerby was alive was based on the fact, suddenly remembered, that Selamlik Pasha had only returned from the Fayoum this very morning, and that therefore he could not as yet have had any share in the fate of Sowerby, but had probably been sent for by the Chief Eunuch. It was but an hour since that he had seen Selamlik Pasha driving hastily towards his palace. |
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