“You shall see that I keep it. Trust me again. With a word I might have set these men upon you to beat the life from your weak body. Why did I not speak that word?”
“I don’t know,” confessed Dick, “unless it was in order that you might have the satisfaction of deceiving me and betraying me again.”
“If I leave you now, they will fall on you. I will remain by you and take you to a place of safety. I will prove to you that I am honest. More than that, I will find the maiden and restore her to you.”
“Can—can you do it?”
“I have given my pledge. Lean on my arm. No one will place the weight of a finger on you while you are with me.”
They walked away, the old sheik supporting the boy and questioning him. Dick related everything that had taken place. As well as possible he described the appearance of the old Turk who had joined the escort sent by Ras al Had to conduct the boy and girl back to their friends.
“I think I know the man,” nodded the sheik. “I am sure I know him.”
“But your servants—you can force the truth from them.”
“I doubt if I behold any one of them for many days to come. Without doubt they were well paid for what they did, and they will endeavor to keep beyond my reach, for they know the meaning of my wrath. Yet they shall not escape me in the end.”
“But it is the girl—it is poor Nadia I am thinking of!” groaned Dick. “She may be dragged into a harem.”