It was the only way.
As he emerged from the doorway some one fell at his feet, caught his sleeve and kissed it.

It was Mahommed Hassan.

Behind Mahommed was a little group of officers and a hundred stalwart Nubians.

David motioned them towards the great gates, and, without speaking, passed swiftly down the pathway and emerged upon the road without.

A moment later he was riding towards the Citadel with Harrik's message to Achmet.