By the gates of hell, but who shall disobey me!" "He was already buried when the Effendina's orders came," High pleaded anxiously.
"Nahoum should have been taken yesterday," he rejoined, with malice in his eyes.
"If I had received the orders of the Effendina on the night when the Effendina dismissed Nahoum--" Achmet said softly, and broke off.
"A curse upon thine eyes that did not see thy duty!" Kaid replied gloomily.

Then he turned to High.

"My seal has been put upon Foorgat's doors?
His treasure-places have been found?
The courts have been commanded as to his estate, the banks--" "It was too late, Effendina," replied High hopelessly.

Kaid got to his feet slowly, rage possessing him.

"Too late! Who makes it too late when I command ?" "When Foorgat was found dead, Nahoum at once seized the palace and the treasures.