“‘The butcher is not startled by the multiplicity of sheep.’” He quoted the proverb as he watched the woman who had no compassion for her victims, the woman he loved, descending the steps, then followed her, her willing slave, even to the bringing about of her heart’s desire.
CHAPTER XI
“The hole which he made opened into a granary.”—Arabic Proverb.
She did not dine with the Arabian that night nor any other night, and when, one evening, some seven days later, completely restored to health, she walked out to the edge of the platform to ascertain the cause of the shouting of men, barking of dogs, and occasional firing of rifles, Namlah crept up behind and urged her to go in.
“Orders have come. Her Excellency is to remain inside her chamber until other orders come giving her her freedom.”
“But what is it all about?” inquired Helen, as she reluctantly entered her room.
Namlah spat, or, rather, made a sound as though she spat, before replying.
“Zarah the Merciless makes an excursion into the Robaa-el-Khali.” She pointed towards the cleft through which the desert in the starlight showed like the face of a veiled woman. “Allah grant that she remain there, a food for vultures, as have remained so many. She is a liar, a thief, a murderess. Allah guide the knife through her black heart.”