"No, the storm covered the shooting. Hugh has been to Pera with Betty in the Curlew this morning, and they heard no comments. One of Wasso Mikali's men stopped in at the corner coffee-shop, and made sure there was no local gossip. The only danger, I think, is from Mrs. Hilyer. We've got to risk that."
"Aren't you all worn out?"
"No. Too much excitement, I expect. We're just going to eat. Then Betty insists on going after the treasure again."
Kara sidled up to him, with a venomous glance at me, and ejaculated a remark sotto voice. Nikka laughed, and pushed her behind him. She heeded him like a dog that is contented with a rebuke, so long as notice is taken by its master.
"She said," Nikka translated, "that I ought not to talk with you any longer. She wants me to pay attention to her."
"Humph!" I growled, returning Kara's look with interest. "Help me up, will you? Thanks! What are you going to do with her?"
"Tame her, I expect," he answered cheerfully. "I've begun by taking her knife away from her. She wanted to stick Betty because I talked more than five minutes to Bet about you."
"A sweet job! She'll end by sticking you."
"Perhaps," agreed Nikka equably. "Come and get some breakfast. A cup of coffee will help you to take a more charitable view of a wild little Gypsy girl."
Hugh, Betty and Vernon King welcomed us as we entered the atrium, where a low table of packing-boxes had been rigged. Wasso Mikali and his men were either guarding the prisoners or else keeping watch on the street entrance. Kara scowled at all of us, but squatted determinedly behind Nikka. Watkins proceeded to serve, and I was amused to observe that Kara, much against her will, was secretly awed by the matter-of-fact pomp with which Watkins was able to invest a meal under such impromptu conditions.