George thanked him for his words, and then Naoum went on—
"I must go now, for I have much work and many things to do before morning. If there is anything you want, touch this gong, and my servants will wait on you—and now, good-night."
Naoum went away and Helmar was again left to speculate and wonder.
CHAPTER XX
ARABI PASHA
The next morning Naoum brought word that George was to start immediately for Cairo.
"Arabi intends mobilizing all his forces to the eastward, probably at Tel-el-Kebir or Kassassin. My men have brought me word that the British advance will be from the Suez Canal, which they have seized, towards Cairo. The rebels, indeed, have already been driven out of their position near the canal. This place is of no particular importance, and to all intents and purposes will be evacuated at once, so that you, in consequence, will have to be moved."