"Not got him yet?"
"Not yet, my lord," said the attendant, and he plugged his machine afresh.
The Consul-General resumed his restless perambulation. He was by no means at ease about the unpremeditated developments of the scene in the dining-hall, but he had always intended to make sure that his enemies were safely housed on the island, and thereby cut off from the power of making further mischief, before he ordered the army into the city. The plugging of the machine was repeated.
"Not got him even yet, boy?"
"Cannot get an answer from the Central in Cairo, my lord."
"Try yet another line. Quick!"
The Consul-General thought the Commandant was long in coming, but no doubt the police staff had removed the supposed "Bedouin" to a private room, so that in making his arrest, and in stripping off his disguise to secure evidence of his identity, there might be no unnecessary commotion, no vulgar sensation. The plugging of the machine ceased.
"Got him at last?"
"No, my lord. Think there must be something wrong with the wires."
"The wires?"