"I was glad even then, but now----" He did not need to finish
the sentence. "We'd better have a word with our host," he said.
To reach the dining-room, where the landlord was busy, furiously
clattering dishes, they had to pass the door of the room occupied by the
sisters. It was half open, and as they went by, Victoria came out.
"Please tell me things," she said. "I'm sure you're anxious. When we
heard the landlord call his servant and nobody answered, Saidee was
afraid there was something wrong. You know, from the first she thought
that her--that Cassim didn't mean to keep his word. Have the Arabs all
gone?"
Nevill was silent, to let Stephen take the responsibility. He was not
sure whether or no his friend meant to try and hide their anxiety from
the women. But Stephen answered frankly. "Yes, they've gone. It may be
that nothing will happen, but we're going to shut the gates at once, and
make every possible preparation."
"In case of an attack?"
"Yes. But we have a good place for defence here. It would be something
to worry about if we were out in the open desert."
"There are five men, counting your Highlanders," said Victoria, turning
to Nevill. "I think they are brave, and I know well already what you
both are." Her eyes flashed to Stephen's with a beautiful look, all for
him. "And Saidee and I aren't cowards. Our greatest grief is that we've
brought you into this danger. It's for our sakes.
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