"Then, listen, thou shepherd of the sheep—"
He paused, as there came a tap at the door, and a slave entered hurriedly and addressed Nahoum. "The effendi, Ebn Ezra Bey, whom thou didst set me to watch, he hath entered the Palace, and asks for the Effendina."
Nahoum started, and his face clouded, but his eyes flashed fire. He tossed the slave a coin. "Thou hast done well. Where is he now?"
"He waits in the hall, where is the statue of Mehemet Ali and the lions."
"In an hour, Mizraim, thou shalt hear what I intend. Peace be to thee!"
"And on thee, peace!" answered Mizraim, as Nahoum passed from the room, and walked hastily towards the hall where he should find Ebn Ezra Bey. Nearing the spot, he brought his step to a deliberate slowness, and appeared not to notice the stately Arab till almost upon him.
"Salaam, effendi," he said smoothly, yet with inquisition in his eye, with malice in his tone.
"Salaam, Excellency."
"Thou art come on the business of thy master?"
"Who is my master, Excellency?"