"The Prophet never tasted whisky or he would not have forbidden it to the true believer," he said with a boyish grin, as he handed back the empty cup.
"Which you are not," commented Craven with a faint smile. "In the sense you mean, no," replied Saïd, swinging his heels to the ground and searching in the folds of his burnous for a cigarette, which he lit and smoked for a few minutes thoughtfully. Then with all trace of his former excitement gone he began to discuss soberly the exigency of the moment, revealing a sound judgment and levelness of mind that appeared incompatible with his seemingly careless and easy-going disposition. It was a deeper studiously hidden side of his character that Craven had guessed very early in their acquaintance.
He talked now with unconcealed seriousness of the gravity of the situation. In the short time he had been with his father before seeking his friend he had mastered the particulars of the projected expedition and, with his European knowledge, had suggested and even--with a force of personality he had never before displayed in the old Sheik's presence--insisted on certain alterations which he detailed now for Craven's benefit, who concurred heartily, for they were identical with suggestions put forward by himself which had been rejected as impossible innovations by the conservative headmen, and conscious of his position as guest he had not pressed them. Then with a sudden change of tone the young Arab turned to Craven in frowning inquiry.
"But you, mon cher, what are you doing in this affair? It was that I meant when I said I wished you a thousand miles away. You are my friend, the friend of all of us, but friendship does not demand that you ride with us to-night. That you would offer--yes--it was only to be expected. But that we should accept your offer--no! a hundred times no! you are an Englishman, a big man in your own country, what have you to do with the tribal warfare of minor Arab Chiefs--voyez vous, I have my moments of modesty! If anything should happen--as happen it very likely will--what will your paternal British Government say? It will only add to my father's difficulties with our own over-lords." There was a laugh in his eyes though his voice was serious. Craven brushed his objection aside with an indifferent hand.
"The British Government will not distress itself about me," he said dryly. "I am not of sufficient importance."
For a few moments the Arab sat silent, smoking rapidly, then he raised his dark eyes tentatively to Craven's face.