“Highness, where is the proof?”
“I know. My friends have disappeared one by one—Nahoum. Lands have been alienated from me—Nahoum. My income has declined—Nahoum. I have given orders and they have not been fulfilled—Nahoum. Always, always some rumour of assassination, or of conspiracy, or the influence and secret agents of the Sultan—all Nahoum. He is a traitor. He has grown rich while I borrow from Europe to pay my army and to meet the demands of the Sultan.”
“What man can offer evidence in this save the Effendina who would profit by his death?”
“I speak of what I know. I satisfy myself. It is enough.”
“Highness, there is a better way; to satisfy the people, for whom thee lives. None should stand between. Is not the Effendina a father to them?”
“The people! Would they not say Nahoum had got his due if he were blotted from their sight?”
“None has been so generous to the poor, so it is said by all. His hand has been upon the rich only. Now, Effendina, he has brought hither the full amount of all he has received and acquired in thy service. He would offer it in tribute.”
Kaid smiled sardonically. “It is a thin jest. When a traitor dies the State confiscates his goods!”
“Thee calls him traitor. Does thee believe he has ever conspired against thy life?”
Kaid shrugged his shoulders.