“No,” returned Kāra, smiling; “I do not realize that.”
“These things are not tolerated in Egypt to-day,” continued the Bey.
“Not if they are known,” admitted Kāra.
“Do you think, sir, that I will remain silent?” demanded Winston, indignantly.
“Yes.”
“Because I have no intention of permitting you to return to Cairo. Understand me, Winston Bey—I entertain no personal enmity toward you; but you saw fit to interfere with my purposes, and in doing so destroyed yourself. Having been lawless enough to capture your boat, an outrage only justified by my desire to obtain possession of the persons of Aneth Consinor and Lord Roane, I am compelled, in order to protect myself, to silence every person aboard who might cause me future annoyance. Therefore, it is necessary to kill you.”
“You dare not!”
“You misjudge me,” answered Kāra, coolly; “but I shall be glad to furnish you immediate proof of my sincerity.” Turning to Antar, he said: “Comrade, oblige me by placing your knife in the heart of Winston Bey.”
The sheik did not move.