‘Why that?’ I asked. ‘Yes, Kortes, why that?’
‘I thought you were so scrupulous, my lord.’
‘I have no scruples in deceiving this Mouraki.’
‘That’s better, my lord,’ he answered with a grim smile. ‘By heavens, I thought we were to dance together at the wedding!’
‘The wedding?’ I cried. ‘I think not. Kortes, do you mean—?’ I made a gesture that indicated some violence to Mouraki; but I added, ‘It must be open fight though.’
‘You mustn’t touch a hair of his head. The island would answer bitterly for that.’
We stood in silence for a moment. Then I gave a short laugh.
‘My character is my own,’ said I. ‘I may blacken it if I like.’
‘It is only in the eyes of Mouraki Pasha,’ said Kortes with a smile.