"You have something to tell me, Abdul?"
"Aiwah, Effendi, I have something to tell you."
They increased the space between themselves and the camels which were following them in Indian file. Abdul spoke in Arabic, as he always did to his master. When he had confided his secret to Michael he lapsed into silence. The Effendi looked very grave. The news was far from pleasant.
"You need not tell Madam," Michael said. "Not until you are quite sure, Abdul. It will only alarm her."
"Aiwah, Effendi, I gave it to your ears alone."
"How is he?" Michael referred to the saint.
"His temperature has fallen—head no longer aches. That is always the case."
"You have done all that is necessary?"
"All I could do, Effendi. Madam has good medicines, praise be to
Allah! We can be hopeful."
They rode on to the camp in silence. Michael's thoughts were busy. What would Millicent say? Would she be afraid? The idea was not pleasant.