Page:Vance--Terence O'Rourke.djvu/268

 reassure himself that the immediately adjacent tables were still unoccupied, and no listeners were nigh, "that two of the Powers are dissatisfied with affairs Egyptian—or, say, three?"

"Faith, 'twould not be difficult to name them."

"Yes?"

"France," said the Irishman, "Russia, Egypt. Have I guessed rightly?"

"You are very discerning, monsieur."

"Am I so? Thank ye. Let us proceed with your supposition."

"Suppose, then, that the three powers were to unite to drive the English out of Egypt. Eh? What do you think, mon ami?"

"Faith," laughed O'Rourke, his eyes brightening at the prospect, "I think there would be a most hell of a row—if ye desire me candid opinion."

"Yes, yes," returned the prince patiently; "but as to the outcome?"

"That is on the knees of the gods, Monsieur Nicolas Koz-and-so-forth."

"But in event of triumph for the three powers, monsieur, would it not be well with the man who fights with Egypt? In event of a new Dual Control, monsieur, would not the head of the Egyptian Army stand high in the favor of two world powers?"

"In that event—yes, 'tis likely he would. But, come, mon ami,"—O'Rourke swung around in his chair and faced the man squarely—"ye've not told me all this without your purpose. And that

The Russian carefully flicked the ash from the end of his cigarette. He took his time about replying; and when he did so, framed his thought in wary phrases.