If, as the Italian physician more than hinted, his life hung by a thread, did it matter whether the barbarian came to Cairo?
That was the business of those who came after.

If Sharif was right, and his life was saved, there would be time enough to set things right.
"I will not pour water on the sands to make an ocean," he answered.
"Will a ship sail on the Sahara?
Bismillah, it is all a dream! Harrik was right.

But dost thou think to do with me as thou didst with Harrik ?" he sneered.

"Is it in thy mind ?" David's patience broke down under the long provocation.

"Know then, Effendina," he said angrily, "that I am not thy subject, nor one beholden to thee, nor thy slave.