In the morning he was found in bed at his own home." "There was no wound ?" "None, Effendina." "The thong ?" "There was no mark, Effendina." "Poison ?" "There was no sign, Effendina." "Diamond-dust ?" "Impossible, Effendina.

There was not time.

He was alive and well here at the Palace at eleven, and--" Kaid made an impatient gesture.

"By the stone in the Kaabah, but it is not reasonable that Foorgat should die in his bed like a babe and sleep himself into heaven! Fate meant him for a violent end; but ere that came there was work to do for me.

He had a gift for scenting treason--and he had treasure." His eyes shut and opened again with a look not pleasant to see.