smoke straight out before him.

Again there was silence for several minutes.

"And if he were dead?" asked the Belgian, determined to lead up to
the truth, and attempt to bribe Mohammed Beyd into his service.

The Arab's eyes narrowed and he leaned forward, his gaze boring
straight into the eyes of the Belgian.

"I have been thinking much, Werper, since you returned so
unexpectedly to the camp of the man whom you had deceived, and who
sought you with death in his heart. I have been with Achmet Zek
for many years--his own mother never knew him so well as I. He
never forgives--much less would he again trust a man who had once
betrayed him; that I know.

"I have thought much, as I said, and the result of my thinking has
assured me that Achmet Zek is dead--for otherwise you would never
have dared return to his camp, unless you be either a braver man
or a bigger fool than I have imagined. And, if this evidence of
my judgment is not sufficient, I have but just now received from
your own lips even more confirmatory witness--for did you not say
that Achmet Zek was never more safe from the sins and dangers of
mortality?

"Achmet Zek is dead--you need not deny it. I was not his mother,
or his mistress, so do not fear that my wailings shall disturb
you. Tell me why you have come back here. Tell me what you want,
and, Werper, if you still possess the jewels of which Achmet Zek