CHAPTER Eighteen.
"But we're ready for them." Without in the least suspecting it I had gone straight into a blind trap, into which, it was true, I could not be followed by Noureddin Ali's spy, but out of which there was no escape without being recognized.

The moment I stepped into the deep shadow I heard an unmistakable massed movement behind me.

Sure that I could not be seen, I faced about.

A platoon of Sikhs had appeared from somewhere, and were standing at ease already, across the end of the street I had entered, with the moonlight silvering their bayonets.
Well, most streets have two ends.

So I walked forward, not taking much trouble about concealment, since it was not easy to walk silently.