An embarrassing pause now occurred. It was certain that the Greek was the bearer of tidings from the Emir. No one dared speak. At last the Greek said quietly: "You are truly unfortunate. Tell me how you came here. I know that Zaila has fallen into the possession of Rao Khan's emissaries. I know nothing else."
Guy briefly told the tale, and Canaris listened quietly.
"Fools!" he said. "The English will be in Zaila again in a month."
"And you?" rejoined Guy. "What brought you to Harar?"
"I left Cairo for Calcutta," said Canaris. "The steamer was lost off Cape Guardafui; ten of us reached shore in a boat; the Somalis slaughtered all but myself. I was sold to the Arabs and came ultimately to Harar. I was useful to Rao Khan in many ways, and my life was spared. I have been here two years, two long years. I shall never see Greece again," he added gloomily. "I am a slave to the Emir for life."
"Is escape then impossible?" asked Guy.
"Absolutely. Between here and the coast is the desert. To the south are the bloodthirsty Gallas. No, no; one can never escape from Harar."
The tramp of the guard was heard in the corridor, and a sudden change passed over the Greek's face.
"I have come from Rao Khan," he said in a low voice. "He sends me with a message."
He paused.