Had he not been a hunter of repute?
Had he not been in deadly peril with wild beasts, and was he not quicker than they?
This man before him was like no other he had ever met.

Did voices speak to him?
Were there, then, among the Christians such holy men as among the Muslims, who saw things before they happened, and read the human mind?
Were there sorcerers among them, as among the Arabs?
In any case his treason was known.

What were to be the consequences?
Diamond-dust in his coffee?
To be dropped into the Nile like a dog?
To be smothered in his sleep ?--For who could be trusted among all his slaves and retainers when it was known he was disgraced, and that the Prince Pasha would be happier if Harrik were quiet for ever?
Mechanically he drew out his watch and looked at it.

It was nine o'clock.

In three hours more would have fallen the coup.