The situation is indeed critical.
It looks as though a very trifling matter would precipitate a riot, in which deadly weapons must be used.
Duncan Craig has made a terrible mistake in his past. He has been known as a cold, proud man, though much of this has been assumed in order to deceive himself. Yet no one ever called him a coward.
He knows that bodily danger menaces him, and as a soldier his spirit is at once in arms.
Springing to his feet, he faces the old Moor.
His arms are folded. Upon his face can be seen a defiant light.
"I have entered your house, Ben Taleb, unarmed, bent upon a mission of love. To humble myself. You may have the power to crush me. I have done what I believed to be right just as soon as the light of truth entered my soul. The consequences may be disastrous, but I am ready to meet them."
The old Moor is struck by his manner, but, still moved by the passion that swept over him at mention of that name, he does not allow his anger to abate a particle.
"Because of the past you shall suffer. You have ruined the life of this woman, whose only fault was in loving you, a base, heartless dog. Say your prayers, wretched man, for you have but a few minutes to live."
He faces his judge calmly. An American can meet death with even the stoicism so characteristic of the Moslem race.