“My cousin, Mr. Lacey, is waiting for me in the garden,” she answered. “I shall be safe with him.” She moved towards the door. He caught the handle to turn it, when there came the noise of loud talking, and the sound of footsteps in the court-yard. He opened the door slightly and looked out, then closed it quickly. “It is Nahoum Pasha,” he said. “Please, the other room,” he added, and pointed to a curtain. “There is a window leading on a garden. The garden-gate opens on a street leading to the Ezbekiah Square and your hotel.” “But, no, I shall stay here,” she said. She drew down her veil, then taking from her pocket another, arranged it also, so that her face was hidden. “Thee must go,” he said--“go quickly.” Again he pointed. “I will remain,” she rejoined, with determination, and seated herself in a chair. CHAPTER X. THE FOUR WHO KNEW There was a knocking at the door. David opened it. Nahoum Pasha stepped inside, and stood still a moment looking at Hylda. Then he made low salutation to her, touched his hand to his lips and breast saluting David, and waited. “What is thy business, pasha?” asked David quietly, and motioned towards a chair. “May thy path be on the high hills, Saadat-el-basha. I come for a favour at thy hands.” Nahoum sat down. “What favour is mine to give to Nahoum Pasha?” “The Prince has given thee supreme place--it was mine but yesterday. It is well. To the deserving be the fruits of deserving.” “Is merit, then, so truly rewarded here?” asked David quietly. “The Prince saw merit at last when he chose your Excellency for councillor.” “How shall I show merit, then, in the eyes of Nahoum Pasha?”