The
latter smiled.
"You are suspicious; you have already experienced too much treachery
from your enemies not to fear Mohammed Ali might prove like the
rest. I require no answer. In case of necessity, I will send you an
answer through Mourad's widow, Sitta Nefysseh."
"Sbe is our mistress, and we all reverence and obey her as we
should, the widow of our great chieftain."
"I know you all honor and love her!" said Mohammed, with a slight
smile. "May I now depart?"
Bardissi inclined his head. "You are free! I shall ride on in
advance, and deprive myself of the pleasure of accompanying you
through the desert. We might be seen together, and suspicion excited
against you. I ride in that direction. The dromedary will bear you
back to your camp by a shorter route across the desert. She who
brought you here will also accompany you back. She knows the way,
and is discreet and cautious, like her father. My horse and servants
await me behind that hill. And now let us part!"
"Let us part!" repeated Mohammed, extending his hand for a parting
grasp.
"I will accompany you to the tent," said Bardissi," and give orders
to have the dromedary saddled for you while you are strengthening
yourself for the ride."
They walked to the tent side by side, and Bardissi called the sheik,
and gave him his instructions.
Mohammed entered the tent. No one was there.
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