"There is no good in them," muttered another.
"I have looked upon their woman," said the sheykh, "and I find her good. I know a city where she would bring many pieces of gold."
"In the trunk of the chief Nasrâny there are many pieces of gold and silver," said one of the men. "His boy told that to a Galla, who repeated it to me."
"The plunder of the camp is rich besides," suggested a swarthy warrior.
"If we do this thing, perhaps the great cause will be lost," suggested he who had first answered the sheykh.
"It is the cause of the Nasrâny," said Abu Batn, "and it is only for profit. Is not the huge pig always reminding us of the money, and the women, and the power that we shall have when we have thrown out the English? Man is moved only by his greed. Let us take our profits in advance and be gone."
Wamala was preparing the evening meal for his mistress. "Before, you were left with the brown bwana," he said, "and he was no good; nor do I like any better the sheykh Abu Batn. He is no good. I wish that Bwana Colt were here."
"So do I," said Zora. "It seems to me that the Aarabs have been sullen and surly ever since the expedition returned from Opar."
"They have sat all day in the tent of their chief talking together," said Wamala, "and often Abu Batn looked at you."
"That is your imagination, Wamala," replied the girl. "He would not dare to harm me."