Scharnhoff needed explosives.

Noureddin Ali saw at once that if that tunnel can be found and opened up there could be an atrocity perpetrated that would produce anarchy all through the East." "As bad as all that ?" asked Mrs.

Davey.
"That's no exaggeration," Goodenough answered.

"I've lived twenty-five years in India, commanding Sikh and Moslem troops.
The Sikhs are not interested in the Moslem religion in any way, but they'd make common cause with Moslems if that place were blown up and the blame could be attached to Jews.

It's the second most sacred place in Asia.