One of the priests attempted to expostulate, explaining that the girl had entered the temple, thus committing an offense that could be atoned for by blood alone.
Then Ras al Had retorted that the girl had been alarmed by the camels of his train and had fled into the temple to escape from them. He further added that infidels were sometimes permitted to visit the temple, escorted by a military guard. In conclusion he stated that he was indebted for his very life to the boy who stood ready to defend the maiden, and, therefore, he was willing to surrender his life in behalf of the lad.
They realized that he was in earnest, and those whom he had called by name and ordered to depart began to slip away.
He then singled out three or four of his own camel drivers, who had dropped back to see what all the uproar was about, and called them to his side.
“Boy,” he said, addressing Dick, “I will see that no harm comes to you or to the girl. Trust me.”
“Thank you,” said Dick gratefully. “I think you took a hand just in time to prevent those wolves from tearing us to pieces.”
“Without doubt you would have met serious injury at their hands. These men are my paid servants. We will escort you and protect you. Fear not.”
The camel drivers gathered about Dick and Nadia. Ras al Had placed himself at their head and ordered them to march.
Flinging his hands in the air, one of the priests stood firmly in the path, refusing to move.
The eyes of Ras al Had shone strangely. He stepped close to the priest, called him by name, and spoke in a low tone.