"It sails first for Zara," replied Sead Eddin. "That much all men know. But after Zara?"
"It will not sail for any port in the Holy Land."
Matteo nudged Hugh and both strained forward.
"Allah!" exclaimed the Saracen impatiently. "A straight answer to a straight question! Can a Christian never tell the truth?"
"I have told you the truth, my head on it," returned Mocenigo. "More I cannot tell."
Sead Eddin shrugged his shoulders and from the folds of his robe produced a weighty bag which he clinked suggestively on the table.
"Malek-Adel pays well for what he needs," he said sternly. "But he pays nought for service which is grudging and incomplete."
"What he asked for I have told you," protested Mocenigo. "Be content with that. I cannot——"
"You cannot serve other masters before my master—and yours."
Mocenigo hesitated. The Moslem returned the bag to its hiding-place.