“Who are you talking about?” demanded Eveleen quickly. He ignored the question.
“To offer precisely similar advice! Can she be in league with their Highnesses? Yet how communicate with ’em? Something strange here——”
“Major Ambrose, are you talking about me?” Eveleen had flown to the side of his chair, and was shaking him.
“My dear, I thought I was an invalid?” meekly. “May I not speak of you, if it’s forbidden to speak to you?”
“Ah, then, don’t be such a tease! What’s it all about?”
“Does it flatter you to know that Khair Husain thinks precisely as you do? The Vakil advised Bayard most earnestly to be off by water at once if he would not accept the guard of troops, for the Khans can’t restrain the Arabits any longer.”
“It’s flattered I am, indeed! But I won’t be if Bayard took his advice when he wouldn’t take mine.”
“Don’t be afraid. He swore he wouldn’t budge an inch nor post an extra sentry—told ’em to do their worst, in fact. So you are likely to enjoy your wish and see a fight.”
“I never said I’d like to see one,” indignantly. “I said I wanted to be in it!”
“Well, seeing it is the next best thing, surely?” But Eveleen did not think so.