Kaid has involved himself in loans which press, in foolish experiments in industry without due care; and now from ill-health and bad temper comes a reaction towards the old sinister rule, when the Prince shuts his eyes and his agents ruin and destroy.

Three nations who have intrigued against my work see their chance, and are at Kaid's elbow.

The fate of the Soudan is in the balance.

It is all as the shake of a feather.

I can save it if I go; but, just as I am ready, my mills burn down, my treasury dries up, Kaid turns his back on me, and the toil of years is swept away in a night.