CHAPTER VI

THE RING OF THE PROPHET


"There is no doubt," said Mr. Rawson, "that great personal danger
attaches to any contact with this relic. It is the first time I
have been concerned with anything of the kind."

Mr. Bristol, of Scotland Yard, standing stiffly military by the
window, looked across at the gray-haired solicitor. We were all
silent for a few moments.

"My late client's wishes," continued Mr. Rawson, "are explicit.
His last instructions, evidently written but a short time prior to
his death, advise me that the holy slipper of the Prophet is
contained in the locked safe at his house in Dulwich. He was
clearly of opinion that you, Mr. Cavanagh, would incur risk--great
risk--from your possession of the key. Since attempts have been
made upon you, murderous attempts, the late Professor Deeping, my
unfortunate client, evidently was not in error."

"Mysterious outrages," said Bristol, "have marked the progress of
the stolen slipper from Mecca almost to London."

"I understand," interrupted the solicitor, "that a fanatic known
as Hassan of Aleppo seeks to restore the relic to its former
resting-place."

"That is so."