"Monsieur, one word more. He could not tell me all, but gave me to understand that Bab Azoun was in the employ of another party, some Frank who loves revenge."
This opens up a new vista. John is visibly agitated by the news.
"I believe I see light; the hand of Pauline Potter is behind it all."
"Monsieur, pardon."
"Well, what is it now?"
"From all he said I was inclined to believe it was a man who bought Bab Azoun."
"Yes, yes; but you see he may have been mistaken. Besides, Blunt fought like a tiger. It does not matter just now. What we want to do is to rescue them all."
"That is right."
"You came upon the scene just as these friends of mine were overpowered. Tell us what next occurred?"
"A move was made. I feared that it would be the end, for Bab Azoun and his followers usually dash into the desert when they have secured plunder, the pursuit from the French soldiers being what they fear, since the Algerian rulers have given all over into the hands of the Franks.