Mr. Tawwab’s smile was noncommittal. “The Mudîr felt anxious about you,” he explained; “and learning that you had not yet started for the oasis, suggested that I should see you.” “We are honoured and delighted,” Danbazzar declared. “Allow me to make known to you Mr. John Cumberland and Professor Blackwell--Mr. Barry Cumberland. This is Mr. Ahmed Tawwab, secretary to the Governor of Luxor. Coffee, I believe, is prepared. You will join us, Mr. Tawwab?” “Certainly.” The Egyptian bowed, and they all entered the tent which served as dining room, office, and council chamber. Danbazzar entered last, behind Barry, and, in his ear: “Mischief!” he whispered. The boring ceremony of coffee and cigarettes, which is indispensable to any piece of Arab business, having been duly performed: “The Mudîr,” Mr. Tawwab explained, turning the gaze of his languorous eyes upon Danbazzar, “learns from the Mudîr of Asyut, that a considerable party of Hawwara Arabs, led by a sheik of the Hamman family and plainly meaning mischief, has been reported from El Kharga, in the Great Oasis. It is perhaps a political or a religious demonstration, but the Mudîr thought it wise to advise you that there may be danger.” “Convey my thanks to His Excellency,” said Danbazzar gravely. “We are all most indebted.” His deep voice was lowered to a sort of caressing purr; which, however, resembled that of some large member of the cat family. “But,” Mr. Tawwab pursued, rolling a cigarette between his flexible fingers, “I understand that you are a fairly large party, and, of course, you can make choice. He will be glad to learn, nevertheless, that his information was correct, and that this warning has reached you before your setting out.” Mr. Tawwab having presently departed: “What does this mean, exactly?” John Cumberland demanded. “It means, sir,” said Danbazzar grimly, “that our screen was only erected in the nick of time! We shall be watched!” “What!” exclaimed Professor Blackwell with alarm; “but we may be arrested!” Danbazzar turned his strange eyes in the speaker’s direction, studying him silently for a moment; then: “Before that time comes,” he replied, “we shall be invited to _pay_. But if we can get through without paying, all the better.” “Do you believe the story of the Arabs?” Barry asked. “No,” Danbazzar answered promptly, “I don’t!” His fierce eyes grew very reflective. “Nor do I believe that Ahmed Tawwab came from the Mudîr at all.” “I don’t follow,” said Barry. “What is your idea about it, then?” “My idea is,” Danbazzar answered, “that Mr. Tawwab has discovered the identity of your father and has simply called as an ordinary matter of business. He has got wise that we’re here with some secret purpose, and he’s going to make us pay. It was against grafting of this sort that I budgeted when I mentioned the price for the expedition, Mr. Cumberland.”