"I have burrowed without ceasing, but the holes are empty, Effendina," he returned, abjectly and nervously.
He had need to be concerned.

The reply was full of amazement and anger.
"Thou hast not found him?
Thou hast not brought Nahoum to me ?" Kaid's eyes were growing reddish; no good sign for those around him, for any that crossed him or his purposes.
"A hundred eyes failed to search him out.

Ten thousand piastres did not find him; the kourbash did not reveal him." Kaid's frown grew heavier.

"Thou shalt bring Nahoum to me by midnight to-morrow!" "But if he has escaped, Effendina ?" Achmet asked desperately.

He had a peasant's blood; fear of power was ingrained.
"What was thy business but to prevent escape?
Son of a Nile crocodile, if he has escaped, thou too shalt escape from Egypt--into Fazougli.
Fool, Nahoum is no coward.