Part 54 (2/2)
They were approaching the spot indicated by the saint. It would, of course, take them some time to discover the chamber which held the hidden treasure, but it was sufficiently thrilling to be drawing nearer and nearer to the hills. The canvas had been removed from his sun-shelter; only the framework remained. It looked like the skeleton-ribs of an animal against the blue of the sky.
Suddenly Abdul came riding forward. He had something to say; he never disturbed Michael's meditations unnecessarily.
”Does the Effendi see anything in the distance?”
”No, Abdul, nothing. What do you see?”
Abdul's calm voice had betrayed a little emotion.
”Look once more, Effendi--over there, to the left, close to the hills.”
Michael looked, and while he looked he was conscious of an ominous atmosphere in the silence.
”Can the Effendi see nothing?”
”No, Abdul, absolutely nothing. Yet I thought my eyes had improved, my seeing-powers developed. I was vain enough to think they were pretty good.”
”For Western eyes they do see far, Effendi. You must allow some few privileges for those who are deprived of the benefits of civilization.”
They rode on in silence.
”You can see something now, Effendi?” Abdul's voice trembled as it broke the stillness. ”It is very clear now, O my master.”
”Is it a mirage, or what, Abdul? What am I to see?”
”No mirage, Effendi--I wish it were one.”
”Then out with it!” Michael said impatiently. He had not the vaguest idea what Abdul was hinting at; his mind had no room for side issues.
”What desert monster lies in waiting for us? Don't make such a mystery out of nothing!”
”It is the Khedivial flag, O Effendi. I see it fluttering in the breeze.”
”The Khedivial flag?” The words conveyed no meaning to Michael; the reason for its being there did not penetrate his brain. ”What is there to trouble us about the Khedivial flag, Abdul?'”
”_Aiwah_, Effendi, do not feel anger in your heart for your servant when he tells you what it means.”
”We ate the salt of our covenant together, Abdul, on the night when you brought the saint in your arms to my camp. I can never forget that you are more than my servant. You are my friend and companion.”
”Our faith is a gift of G.o.d, Effendi, and all the good works we perform are the effects of a principle implanted and kept alive within us by the Spirit of G.o.d.”
”Granting that is so, Abdul, which I do, nevertheless, the covenant of our friends.h.i.+p is sacred. Tell me, why does the flag trouble you?”
”Can my master see it now? Can he not distinguish any other objects?”
Michael looked again. They had travelled quickly. As he looked his heart stopped beating; his brain became confused; he felt like a drunken man. Clearly his eye had seen!
<script>