Page:Kéraban the Inflexible Part 1 (Jules Verne).djvu/102

104 prevent the numerous dangers which Kéraban's obstinate rashness would lead to? No, Nedjeb, no; by going away Ahmet has proved his courage, and has given me another proof of his devotion."

"You may be right, my dear mistress," replied the attendant, who, carried away by her native vivacity, could not yield her opinion. "Yes, Seigneur Ahmet certainly showed energy in going away; but don't you think he would have displayed more had he prevented his uncle from going?"

"Was such a course possible?" said Amasia. "Now, Nedjeb, I ask you, was such a course possible?"

"Yes—no—perhaps," replied Nedjeb. "It was not a question of breaking an iron bar. Ah! that Kéraban! It is all his fault, and if any accident should happen, he alone will be responsible. When I think of his running into danger, simply because he won't pay ten paras, and imperilling the safety of Seigneur Ahmet, your safety, and consequently mine,—I wish; yes, I wish that the Black Sea extended to the end of the globe, to see whether he would be obstinate enough to make the tour."

"He would do it," replied Amasia, in a tone of sincere conviction. "But let us talk of Ahmet, Nedjeb, and of no one else but him."

At that moment Yarhud quitted his boat, and advanced unperceived towards the two girls. At the sound of his footsteps they turned round, and appeared surprised, as well as somewhat alarmed, at seeing the Maltese so near them.

Nedjeb at once arose and said,—

"Is that you, captain? How came you here? what do you want?"

"I do not want anything," replied Yarhud, pretending surprise at this reception. "I want nothing; I only came to put my services at your disposal for—"

"Well, for what?" said Nedjeb, as he paused.

"To conduct you on board the vessel," replied the captain. "Have not you decided to inspect the cargo, and to choose such articles as may seem good to you?"

"That is true, dear mistress," said Nedjeb. "We have promised the captain."