“Come to me, then, at nine. Good night.”
This summary dismissal was a severe disappointment to the dragoman, yet he had no alternative but to take his leave. Strange that Kāra had refused the dancing girls and the game table; but perhaps he was really tired. Tadros must not expect too much from his innocent at first.
At nine o’clock the next morning he found that the young Egyptian had breakfasted and was impatiently awaiting him.
“Take me to the leading jeweler in town,” said Kāra.
The dragoman frowned, but presently brightened again and took his employer to a second-rate shop, where his commissions were assured.
“Not here,” said Kāra. “I have seen much better shops.”
Tadros tried again, but with no better success; so he altered his plans and took Kāra direct to Andalaft’s, trusting to luck to exact a commission afterward.
“Now, then,” said he, briskly, “what shall we examine first?”
But Kāra ignored him, asking to see the proprietor in private. Mr. Andalaft graciously consented to the interview, and when the Egyptian entered the great jeweler’s private room Tadros was left outside.
Kāra laid a splendid ruby upon the merchant’s table. The latter pounced upon it with an eager exclamation.