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242 three, according to the rules of arithmetic. If we are not wanted, then these men must do their duty, for Sidi Hassan is wanted, and we may as well go blithely to our doom together."

"Fellow," said Omar sternly, "dost know that I have power to have thee flayed alive without consulting thy master?"

"Nay, not without consulting my master," said Baba, bowing respectfully, "for my master is before me!"

"In sooth thou art a very impudent knave," returned Omar, smiling in spite of himself; "and were I the vile plotter thou imaginest, I should be afraid of having such a changeable friend in the palace."

"Am I changeable for preferring the kind master who was slain to him who slew him?" said Baba simply.

"That is true, Hadji Baba," returned Omar, suddenly changing his tone.—"Sidi Hassan, fortune is favourable to us. We will trust these men. They dare not play us false even though they would, because their own lives would be forfeited.—Hadji Baba, it may be well for thee to know that, while we avail ourselves of thine aid and that of thy friends, we are quite independent of it, because it happens that the train is already laid, and nothing that thou couldst do, not even the instant alarm of the palace