The Lalla was not very clear as to what course he was to take; he, too, was watching his game.
"My lord, noble sirs, they were Gosais who found me in the temple, and ye are Moslem gentlemen, or nobles."
"Very true," said Fazil. "Now, look at me carefully, and try if you cannot remember me as one who lifted you up after you had been robbed."
"Ah, yes, noble sir, now I do remember," cried the Lalla; "I owe my life to you, sir, my life. When I screamed, you must have heard me. I pray you, let me kiss your feet."
The action was an ordinary one of gratitude, yet enough to admit of Fazil's passing a well-known signal of silence to the man as he removed his hands, while the old Khan cried grimly——
"Make your reverence to your God, if you have one, not to my son. Is he an idol, that you bow down to him?"
"I mean no offence; pardon me, my lord," said the Lalla, humbly. "I was only——"
The opening of the door interrupted the Lalla's speech, which would have been very flowery and hyperbolic.
An attendant entered and spoke to the Kótwal. "My lord, Kowas Khan has arrived; is he to be admitted?"
"Tell him I kiss his hands; I am engaged with these worthy gentlemen," returned Jehándar Beg, looking round; "and pray ask him to excuse me for a short time. If he would like a hooka, or coffee, or sherbet, let him have all he desires."