“This watchfulness,” he said, “may keep the enemy away if there be one. If there be none: well, we have taught ourselves a lesson that will not be thrown away.”
“Why, Yussuf, I am beginning to think you are a treasure!” exclaimed Mr Burne.
Yussuf bowed, but he did not look pleased, for he had not warmed towards the old lawyer in the slightest degree. He had been met with distrust, and he was reserved towards him who showed his doubt so openly.
“I thought it was but just, effendis, to warn you, and I thought it better to say so now, while the young effendi is asleep, for fear he might be alarmed.”
“I am not asleep,” said Lawrence turning his head. “I have not been to sleep.”
“Then you have heard all that was said,” exclaimed the professor.
“Every word, Mr Preston. I could not help hearing,” said Lawrence, sitting up with his face flushed and eyes brightened. “I did not know till just now that I was not expected to hear.”
“Humph, and do you feel alarmed?” said the old lawyer.
“I don’t think I do, sir,” replied the lad calmly. “Perhaps I should if—if there should be a fight.”
“I do not think there will be,” said the professor quietly. “Yussuf here has warned us, and forewarned is forearmed.”