"They do mean me!" he exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Fakrash, will you kindly explain what tomfoolery you've been up to now? I know you're at the bottom of this business."
It struck him that the Jinnee was slightly embarrassed. "Didst thou not say," he replied, "that he who should receive the freedom of the City from his fellow-men would be worthy of Bedeea-el-Jemal?"
"I may have said something of the sort. But, good heavens! you don't mean that you have contrived that I should receive the freedom of the City?"
"It was the easiest affair possible," said the Jinnee, but he did not attempt to meet Horace's eye.
"Was it, though?" said Horace, in a white rage. "I don't want to be inquisitive, but I should like to know what I've done to deserve it?"
"Why trouble thyself with the reason? Let it suffice thee that such honour is bestowed upon thee."
By this time the chariot had crossed Cheapside and was entering King Street.
"This really won't do!" urged Horace. "It's not fair to me. Either I've done something, or you must have made the Corporation believe I've done something, to be received like this. And, as we shall be in the Guildhall in a very few seconds, you may as well tell me what it is!"
"Regarding that matter," replied the Jinnee, in some confusion, "I am truly as ignorant as thyself."