“No; besides, if a merchant wanted to buy he would go on board to inspect Hassan’s wares.  We must have something to sell.  It must be something tempting, and something that must be disposed of secretly.  I might tell him that my employer —­ and I would mention some merchant whose name would carry weight with him —­ has received from the interior a large consignment of slaves, among whom are three or four girls, who would fetch high prices in Egypt, and as he believes they have been captured from a tribe within the limits of the sultan’s territory, he is anxious to get rid of them, and will either dispose of them all cheaply in a lot, or will hand them over to him to take to Egypt to sell, giving him a large commission for carrying them there and disposing of them.”

“I do not like tempting even an enemy by stories that are untrue,” Gervaise said doubtfully.

“I have no scruples that way,” the man said, with a laugh; “and it is I who shall tell the story, and not you.”

Gervaise shook his head.

“Could you not say that you came from one who owes him a heavy debt and desires to pay him?”

“I do not think that would bring him ashore.  Hassan doubtless trades for ready money, and must be well aware that no one here can be greatly in his debt.  No, my lord; leave the matter in my hands.  I will think of some story before I go on board that will fetch him ashore.  But first we must settle where I am to bring him; there are some deserted spots near the wall on the east side of the town.”

“I know where you mean,” Gervaise agreed; “let us go in that direction at once, for the sooner you are off the better.”

In half an hour a spot was fixed on, near some huts that had fallen into ruin.  Here Gervaise seated himself on a sand heap, while the man hurried away.  The moon had just risen, it being but three days since it was at its full.  The night was quiet; sounds of music, laughter, and occasional shouts came faintly from the town.  Seated where he was, Gervaise could see the port and the ships lying there.  Half an hour later he saw a boat row off to one of them, which he had already singled out, from its size and general appearance, as being that of Hassan; ten minutes later he saw it returning.  At that distance separate figures could not be made out, but it seemed to him that it loomed larger than before, and he thought that certainly one, if not more, persons, were returning with his messenger.  Presently he heard men approaching; then Hassan’s voice came distinctly to his ears.

“How much farther are you going to take me?  Remember, I warned you that unless I found that my journey repaid me, it would be bad for you.”

“It is but a few yards farther, my lord.  There is my master the sheik of the Beni Kalis awaiting you.”

Gervaise rose to his feet as Hassan and two of his crew came up.

“Now,” the former said roughly, “where have you bestowed these captives you want to sell me?”