“Because I am so busy with my profession that the time goes quickly, and I am always gaining fresh experience in surgery; while you two can do nothing but fret and think.”
“Don’t speak, Frank,” whispered the professor warningly; “someone coming.”
It was not the Emir or his son, nor anyone to summon the Hakim to his patient’s side, but the Sheikh returning from one of his rambles about the place, and the professor turned to him eagerly, for the old man’s face suggested that he had something to tell.
“News, Excellencies; it is the common report that the Egyptian army is coming up the river. I hear it on all sides.”
Frank shrugged his shoulders and glanced at the professor, who spoke.
“We have heard that report so often,” he said.
“Yes, Excellency, but there is a great deal of stir and preparation. Two more Emirs have come into the city with their followers, and the people are in despair with the treatment they receive.”
The Hakim looked at him inquiringly.
“They are being turned out of their houses in every direction to make room for the fighting men, and a word or look is enough to bring down a blow from a spear shaft or a thrust. I have seen five wounded men and women since I have been out.”
“If ever our troops do get up here,” said the professor, “the common people will bless their coming.”