"But since it was that he must die so soon, then the loan he promised must now be a gift from the dead, if he be dead, if he be not shamming.

Foorgat was a dire jester." "But now it is no jest, Effendina.

He is in his grave." "In his grave! Bismillah! In his grave, dost thou say ?" High's voice quavered.

"Yesterday before sunset, Effendina.

By Nahoum's orders." "I ordered the burial for to-day.