leaning over the rail, she saw a boat draw alongside the Nefert. From it
came the figure of Nahoum Pasha, who stepped briskly on deck, in his
handsome face a light which flashed an instant meaning to her.

"I know--I know! Claridge Pasha--you have heard?" she said excitedly,
as he came to her.

He smiled and nodded. "A messenger has arrived. Within a few hours he
should be here."

"Then it was all false that he was wounded--ah, that horrible story of
his death!"

"Bismillah, it was not all false! The night before the great battle he
was slightly wounded in the side. He neglected it, and fever came on;
but he survived. His first messengers to us were killed, and that is why
the news of the relief came so late. But all is well at last. I have
come to say so to Lady Eglington--even before I went to the Effendina."
He made a gesture towards a huge and gaily-caparisoned dahabieh not far
away. "Kaid was right about coming here. His health is better. He
never doubted Claridge Pasha's return; it was une idee fixe. He believes
a magic hand protects the Saadat, and that, adhering to him, he himself
will carry high the flower of good fortune and live for ever. Kismet! I
will not wait to see Lady Eglington. I beg to offer to her my
congratulations on the triumph of her countryman."

His words had no ulterior note; but there was a shadow in his eyes which
in one not an Oriental would have seemed sympathy.

"Pasha, Pasha!" the Duchess called after him, as he turned to leave;