"I think you had better take the lead, as you are my senior. It will appear more natural."
"Very well. But I don't want to seem to—"
"No, no! Don't mind about me! I shall perfectly understand. I have chosen to call you in. That shows I am not satisfied with the way the case is going."
The felucca touched the side of the Loulia. Ibrahim appeared. He smiled when he saw them, smiled still more when he perceived beyond them the second boat with Hassan. Isaacson stepped on board first. Hartley followed him without much alacrity.
"I want to see Mrs. Armine," Isaacson said to Ibrahim. Ibrahim went towards the steps.
"Do you happen to know what that Arabic writing means?" Isaacson asked of Hartley, as they were about to pass under the motto of the Loulia.
"That—yes; I asked. It's from the Koran."
"Yes?"
"It means—the fate of every man have we bound about his neck."
"Ah! Rather fatalistic! Does it appeal to you?"