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Updated: May 9, 2025
They looked upon him as a spy, a traitor come from Europe for some evil purpose, and eventually did away with him. Mariam was a really good woman, and resented the deed bitterly. Naoum, her son, never saw his father, but inherited some of his good business qualities, and all his mother's kindness of heart.
Whilst the mêlée was in progress the defenders had not seen the other boats come alongside, and the reinforcements they brought. All along the side of the dahabîeh the Arabs were clambering up like so many ants, and though the advantage was still with Naoum, the outcome looked doubtful. The crew were hard put to it.
"Ah," he said, keeping his eyes steadily fixed on the man's face, "and what has Naoum to say to me?" "Your escape cannot be attempted to-night. News has got abroad, and the guards are doubled. Your enemy, the officer Arden, has discovered your plans and will thwart them." "Oh," said George, walking to the door and fastening it. "So our plans are frustrated? 'm! that's bad," he said thoughtfully.
Death," he went on, turning his strong face towards his companion, "would be a blessing to that which I am afraid will be your lot, unless " "Unless what?" eagerly demanded Helmar. "Unless we can prevent it," replied Naoum slowly. "What is this dreadful fate you anticipate?" asked George with a sinking heart, as his friend's ominous words fell on his ears.
He felt that to be so keen about it was almost like ingratitude to his two friends, but he could not control the feeling, and it showed plainly in his face. Naoum saw it, and smiled as he noted the bright, anxious expression of the young man. "There is one thing you do not seem to have thought about, Helmar," he said, in his paternal fashion, "and that is money.
Helmar was not in any way bound; he was given free use of his hands, but the bridle of his horse was secured to that of one of his guard's horses, and even if he had wished to do so, there was but little chance of getting away. However, he had not the least intention of attempting any such mad enterprise, infinitely preferring to trust to the man who carried his note to Naoum.
The effect of the interview in no way deterred his appetite, and he occupied his time, waiting for his benefactor, by doing ample justice to the luxuries placed temptingly before him. It was some time before Naoum joined his protégé. George finished his meal and waited impatiently for his coming, but an hour passed without any sign.
"These rebels are going to follow us, and I have no doubt they will overtake us. Then will come a tough time," replied Naoum. "Ah! I understand. They mean to capture us if possible." "Yes. That is what they intend, and we shall stand a poor chance if they come up with us." "We'll not give in at any rate, but make a bold stand and give them a taste of what we are made of first," said George.
This he gave me to understand without actually saying so." "Well, beggars mustn't be choosers," said George, resignedly, "and glad enough am I that I am to escape with my life." "You may well say that," answered Naoum. "From what I can gather, this man Arden, who appears to hate you so cordially, is very powerful and enjoys Arabi's complete confidence.
George had not seen him for many weeks, and was prepared for some slight change in his appearance; he knew that Naoum had much to trouble him, much opposition to contend with, and, consequently, expected that the serenity of his expression would bear traces of the mental strain of his position; but it was not so.
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