"That was a close call," he panted. "If they'd held on a bit longer, I was completely done. Poof! I've had enough for one day."
Naoum was taking pot shots at the boats as they dodged about, picking up the men who had fallen into the water. He paused at his companion's words.
"Yes, Allah is good, we are now out of danger and have no more to fear."
The rifles were collected and put away, and the dahabîeh resumed its calm appearance as it glided lazily onwards.
The following morning it entered the Mahmoudieh Canal, which runs direct to Alexandria. After his late experience, George realized what the appearance of a white face on board might mean to his protector, and for the rest of the journey kept out of sight.
CHAPTER IX
THE REIGN OF TERROR IN ALEXANDRIA