Were it for ourselves only, we would say let him live, until we see what comes of it.

But our people complain.

They say his folk, with whom we had no quarrel, come here and aid the Egyptians against us.

They slew many yesterday.

It is not right that this man should be living among us, when his countrymen are fighting against us." There was a murmur of assent among the others, then Mahmud spoke.
"I have promised that he should not be killed, unless by order of the Khalifa.