Looked all over town for you afterward." "Uh-huh.

I thought that was too natural to be acting.

Pick up any news in town ?" "Saw a hanging, and met a man who calls himself Mahommed ben Hamza.

He's waiting at the house of Abu Shamah." "Any men with him ?" "Nine." "Three more than he promised.

Ben Hamza is the most honest thief and dependable liar in Palestine--a cheerful murderer who sticks closer than a brother.