One of them, at a sign from Babalatchi, approached and, after getting his orders, went towards the little gate and entered Omar's enclosure.

While waiting for his return, Lakamba, Abdulla, and Babalatchi talked together in low tones.

Sahamin sat by himself chewing betel-nut sleepily with a slight and indolent motion of his heavy jaw.

Bahassoen, his hand on the hilt of his short sword, strutted backwards and forwards in the full light of the fire, looking very warlike and reckless; the envy and admiration of Lakamba's retainers, who stood in groups or flitted about noiselessly in the shadows of the courtyard.
The messenger who had been sent to Omar came back and stood at a distance, waiting till somebody noticed him.

Babalatchi beckoned him close.
"What are his words ?" asked Babalatchi.
"He says that Syed Abdulla is welcome now," answered the man.
Lakamba was speaking low to Abdulla, who listened to him with deep interest.
".