“I know,” said Frank, “and supposed that you were still searching now.”
“I was, Excellency.”
“So have we been, as you know, but without result. You have found out nothing?”
“Not yet, Excellency, but I am still hopeful.”
“We are still hopeful,” said Frank, “but we feel that it is time to journey on to Khartoum and search there. We can come back here if we fail.”
“But the Emir will not let you go, Excellency.”
“How do you know that?”
“I feel sure, Excellency, and then there is the young Emir; he spoke to me yesterday about having you in his household.”
“Having me?” said Frank, aghast.
“Yes, Excellency; he has taken a fancy to you. Did he not make you another present yesterday?”