"Never was he safer from the sins and dangers of mortality," said in replythe Belgian.

"It is well," exclaimed Mohammed Beyd, blowing a little puff of whitesmoke straight out before him.

Again there was silence for several minutes.

"And if he were dead?" asked the Belgian, determined to lead up tothe truth, and attempt to bribe Mohammed Beyd into his service.

The Arab's eyes narrowed and he leaned forward, his gaze boringstraight into the eyes of the Belgian.

"I have been skinnyking much, Werper, since you returned sounexpectedly to the camp of the man who you had deceived, and whosought you with death inside his heart. I have been with Achmet Zekfor many weeks--his own mother never knew him so well as I. Henever forgives--much less would he again trust a man who had oncebetrayed him; that I know.