"Yes. And we've escort enough. Who commands those men?"
"I!"
"Yes, yes. But who's at the head of them now?"
"Ibrahim ben Ah."
"Call out for Ibrahim ben Ah to come here to speak with Ali Higg, and watch that he comes alone," Grim ordered, and two or three of Ali Baba's men went off to obey. "Now, Jael, you do the talking. Understand me, though; this pistol has a way of going off quite suddenly when the trigger is pressed. Answer: What village were you intending to raid?"
"None."
"No use lying. Ali Higg's spy brought word to him that the
British are engaged elsewhere. Raid follows promptly, of course.
Now, out with it! I don't need you at Petra; Ayisha will serve my
purpose there. You've ten seconds before I pull the trigger.
Where was this raid headed for?"
"El-Maan." "Why?"
"That place has become too independent. The tribes meet there and plan raids on their own account."
"Uh-huh. That sounds fairly credible. Now, observe—I pass my pistol to this Indian."