It was the only melody which Feversham knew.

When he had done Nejoumi began again.
"You are a spy." "I have told you the truth," answered Feversham, stubbornly, and Nejoumi took a different tone.

He called for food, and the raw liver of a camel, covered with salt and red pepper, was placed before Feversham.

Seldom has a man had smaller inclination to eat, but Feversham ate, none the less, even of that unattractive dish, knowing well that reluctance would be construed as fear, and that the signs of fear might condemn him to death.

And, while he ate, Nejoumi questioned him, in the silkiest voice, about the fortifications of Cairo and the strength of the garrison at Assouan, and the rumours of dissension between the Khedive and the Sirdar.
But to each question Feversham replied:-- "How should a Greek know of these matters ?" Nejoumi rose from his angareb and roughly gave an order.