"The West has conquered," he answered.

"You will help him--you will try to save him?" "When, a month ago, I
read the letter you have read, I tried to save him. I sent secretly four
thousand men who were at Wady Halfa to relieve him--if it could be done;
five hundred to push forward on the quickest of the armed steamers, the
rest to follow as fast as possible. I did my best. That was a month
ago, and I am waiting--waiting and hoping, madame."

Suddenly she broke down. Tears streamed from her eyes. She sank into
the chair, and sobs shook her from head to foot.

"Be patient, be composed, madame," Nahoum said gently. "I have tried you
greatly--forgive me. Nay, do not weep. I have hope. We may hear from
him at any moment now," he added softly, and there was a new look in his
wide blue eyes as they were bent on her.




CHAPTER XLI

IN THE LAND OF SHINAR

"Then I said to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear
the Ephah?

"And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar;
and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base."