Abdullah, when given the opportunity, was readier to ply them with
questions than to answer theirs. He said his name was "El Jaridiah,"
which was true enough, this being the title he bore among his
fellow-tribesmen. He also explained that he met Mulai Hamed, and
happened to see the direction taken by the vehicle when it dashed clear
of the scrimmage in the street. But he modestly disclaimed any special
credit for his share in subsequent events, stating that he had many
friends among the European colony at Cairo, and was naturally willing
to help a lady against the thievish dogs who inhabited Massowah.
Yet Dick added a third to these two earlier subtle enigmas in "El
Jaridiah's" characteristics when he heard the Arab's unfeigned pleasure
at the statement that it was not the lady actually rescued, but a
friend of hers, whom the thievish dogs aforesaid meant to carry off.
Abdullah then saw a path out of the thorny labyrinth which beset him.
It was evident that in serving Miss Fenshawe he had displayed his
fidelity to Mrs. Haxton! The notion was so gratifying that he made a
suggestion which assuredly would not otherwise have occurred to him.
When they reached the camp-fire where they were supplied with such
valuable information on their outward journey, he would obtain some
goat's milk for Madame, he said, and that would not only restore her
strength but go far towards alleviating the soreness caused by the gag.
He kept his promise. The milk was brought in a dubious vessel, but the
girl vowed she never tasted a more delicious beverage. They resumed
their march, Irene's head dropped cozily to the region of Dick's heart,
and that wayward organ thumped again in the most alarming way.
Once the causeway was crossed, Abdullah called a halt.
"This road leads into the main street, monsieur," said he to Royson.
"It is quite near. If the lady is able to walk to the hotel, it will
attract less attention than riding. Meanwhile, I can take the horses to
their stables, and hasten in advance to tell your friends that you are
safe."
They agreed instantly. Royson did not forget to pat the plucky little
Arab that had carried him to the Gates of Eden, and Irene said that if
it were feasible she would buy Moti and have him sent to England. And
thus they parted from Abdullah, thinking to meet him again five minutes
later.
But their next encounter with the Spear-thrower was destined to take
place under strange conditions. His present intent was to slip away and
seek an interview with Mrs. Haxton, as he had managed to worm out the
information that she was on board the yacht. The last thing he desired
was to be dragged into prominence. Though he had not been taught that a
man might "do good by stealth and blush to find it fame," he was
specially anxious that his action of that night should not be trumpeted
forth in every ear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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