"Companion of the evil one," he said, "it is not written that I shall die by your hand — or by the hand of any here. But it has been revealed to me that to-night the gates of Paradise may be closed in my face."
"I shouldn't be at all surprised," drawled Dexter. "But it's up to you. You've got to swear by Mohammed—"
"Salla-'llahu 'aleyhi wasellem!"
"That you won't lay a hand upon any living soul, or allow any of your followers to do so, who has touched the slipper or had anything to do with it, but that you will go in peace."
"You are doomed to die!"
"You don't agree, then?"
"Those who have offended must suffer the penalty!"
"Right!" said Dexter — and prepared to toss the slipper into the heart of the fire!
"Stop! Infidel! Stop!"
There was real agony in Hassan's voice. To my inexpressible surprise he dropped upon his knee, extending his lean brown hands toward the slipper.