Page:Kéraban the Inflexible Part 1 (Jules Verne).djvu/27

 "The orders of my master," continued the intendant, "are very strict concerning the treatment of the young lady. Every consideration possible is to be shown her. There must be no violence or ill-treatment, mind!"

"She shall be treated with as much respect as the Seigneur Saffar can desire, and with as much deference as if he were present himself," replied Yarhud.

"I count upon your zeal, Yarhud."

"You shall have it, Scarpante."

"And upon your skill and address."

"In truth, I shall be all the more certain to succeed if the wedding is postponed," said Yarhud; "and it will be if some obstacle can be put in Seigneur Kéraban's way so as to prevent his departure."

"Do you know this great merchant?"

"It is always as well to know one's enemies, or those who may become such," replied the Maltese. "Thus my first care on my arrival here was to present myself at his office under the pretext of doing some business."

"You have seen him, then?"

"Just for an instant, but that was enough; and—"

At the same moment Yarhud suddenly approached Scarpante and whispered,—

"Eh! this is a singular coincidence, isn't it? Perhaps it may prove a happy chance for us."

"What do you mean?" inquired Scarpante.

"Look at yonder stout man descending the Rue de Pera accompanied by his servant."

"Is that he?"

"The very same," replied the captain. "Let us keep aloof, but we will not lose sight of him. I know that he returns every evening to his house at Scutari, and if necessary I will follow him to the other side of the Bosphorus, and find out when he proposes to start for Odessa."

Scarpante and Yarhud then mixed with the other pedestrians, but in such a manner as to observe Kéraban and to overhear his orders. A feat all the easier inasmuch as "my lord Kéraban," as they called him, always spoke in a very loud tone, and never attempted to conceal his imposing person nor his sentiments.