It will be but an attempt at Kaid's life, no more; but the cry will go forth that a Christian did the thing; and the Muslim flame will leap high." "And the tent-maker ?" asked Nahoum musingly, though he was turning over the tale in his mind, seeing behind it and its far consequences.
"Malaish, what does it matter! But he is to escape, and they are to hang another Christian in his stead for the attempt on Kaid.

It hath no skill, but it would suffice.

With the dervishes gone malboos, and the faithful drunk with piety--canst thou not see the issue, pasha?
Blood will be shed." "The Jews of Europe would be angry," said Nahoum grimly but evenly.
"The loans have been many, and Kaid has given a lien by the new canal at Suez.

The Jews will be angry," he repeated, "and for every drop of Christian blood shed there would be a lanced vein here.

But that would not bring back Nahoum Pasha," he continued cynically.