“Of the Mukri, of Sauj Bulaq,” and here he bridled a little, as should a man of a great and powerful tribe.
“And where did you find him?” I was asked.
“In Halabja,” I replied.
I was wearing a new aba, or camel-hair cloak, and this next attracted his attention:
“Was that given you as a mark of esteem by Lady Adela?” he queried, with a sneer.
“No,” replied Hama for me, his ire rising; “my master seeks favour of none, and pays for what he obtains with his own, good Persian money.”
“Once more I say, take those away, I want no sugar; take them out, and you”—to his own servant—“go away, what affairs are these of yours?”
THE SHAIKH UL ISLAM
Still Hama refused to take up the sugar, till I turned and told him to take and give them to the poor, the usual means of signifying that one has no use whatever for a rejected gift.
So the room was clear of servants, and the Shaikh ul Islam turned to me and recommenced his unpleasant remarks: