Gordon braced himself up and answered—
"First, because it best becomes a messenger of God to enter Cairo in the company of his people, not alone and in disguise."
"And next?"
"Next, because I know Cairo better than Ishmael, and all that he can do I can do, and more."
There was another moment of tense silence, and then Ishmael said—
"I listen to your sincere proposal, O my brother, but before I answer it I ask for the counsel of my friends."
Then raising his voice he cried, "Companions, you have heard what Omar Benani has said—which of us is it to be?"
At that the tense atmosphere in the room broke into eager and impetuous speech. First came, as needs must in an Eastern conclave, some gusts of questions, then certain breezes of protest, but finally a strong and unbroken current of assent.
"Master," said one of the Sheikhs, "I have eaten bread and salt with you, therefore I will not deceive you. Let Omar go first. He can do all that Ishmael can do and run no risk."
"Messenger of the Merciful," said another, "neither will I deceive you. Omar knows Cairo best. Therefore let him go first."