Page:The tragedy of the Korosko (IA tragedyofkorosko00doylrich).pdf/266

 stood revealed. In vain he tried to pass on at once to another of his little stock. The Moolah said something, and an Arab struck Fardet across the shoulders with the thick shaft of his spear.

“We have had enough child’s play,” said the angry priest. “Are we men or babes, that you should try to impose upon us in this manner? Here is the cross and the Koran—which shall it be?”

Fardet looked helplessly round at his companions.

“I can do no more; you asked for five minutes. You have had them,” said he to Colonel Cochrane.

“And perhaps it is enough,” the soldier answered. “Here are the Emirs.”

The camel-man, whose approach they had heard from afar, had made for the two Arab chiefs, and had delivered a brief report to them, stabbing with his forefinger in the direction from which he had come. There was a rapid exchange of words between the Emirs, and then they strode forward together to the group around the prisoners. Bigots and barbarians, they were none the less two most majestic men, as they advanced through