"I, too, have conditions."
"Ah! that may alter the case," suspiciously.
"My reputation is dear to me."
"Naturally."
"It is my means of earning much money. Listen to me. I have taken Franks everywhere through this country, to Oran and even the far-away lead mines of Jebel Wanashrees; yes, once even to the city of Fez, in Morocco; yet never has anything serious happened to those in my charge. We have been attacked by robbers in the desert, but we dispersed them with gun and yataghan. Here in Al Jezira, many times, beggars for backsheesh have become impudent, and tried to enforce their demands, but I have taken them before the cadi, and had them punished with the bastinado. Ah! they know Mustapha Cadi, the guide, and give him a wide berth by daylight. But, monsieur, what might happen in the streets of the old town should a Frank go there at night, I am afraid to say."
"Still, you promised."
"Ay, and will keep my word, if the monsieur agrees to the condition."
"Let me hear it!"
"I will procure a burnoose, you shall put the robe on, and be an Arab for to-night."
John draws a breath of relief, he smiles.