A clerk, who looked as if he could not have been hired to know, or understand, or remember anything without permission, came in answer to the bell.

I signed.

He witnessed.
Sir Louis put the letter in a drawer, and the clerk went out again.
"How soon will you go ?" I told about the promised escort, and that a day or two would be needed to get word to ben Nasir.

I forgot that ben Nasir would not start before moonrise.

It appeared that Sir Louis knew more than he cared to admit.
"Can't we get word to ben Nasir for him, Grim ?" Grim nodded.