"Indeed?" Michael said evasively. "What sort of treasure? Do the authorities know of it? Who has discovered it?" He managed to speak calmly and without emotion.
The Omdeh threw back his head. "It is not worth a wise man's breath inquiring. It is but one of the many foolish fables which travel with the winds." He shrugged his shoulders.
"What started the rumour? Where did it originate? There is generally some fire where there's smoke."
"Where do such things have their birth? It is no easier to discover than the birthchamber of the anti-British propaganda in Egypt, Effendi."
"You do not attach any belief to the rumour?"
"La, Effendi. Who would believe that men are standing knee-deep in jewels and precious stones, and that there is enough gold to build three mosques in these hills, so near the village?"
Michael laughed. He remembered the reports which had been spread abroad about the wealth of Freddy's find. One Englishman had heard that Freddy had been wading ankle-deep in priceless scarabs and jewels and gold collars and necklaces.
"You may well laugh, Effendi. The poor and ignorant will believe anything. I must see the jewels first."
Michael wondered what he would say if he showed him the crimson amethyst which had had its second hiding-place in the saint's ear.
"But who is reported to have found this King Solomon's mine?"