his "Entrez!" the tall Nubian, whom he had seen in Cairo as the
guardian of the Princess's household, appeared, his repulsive
features looking, if anything, more ghastly and hideous than ever.

"Madame la Princesse demande votre presence!" said this unlovely
attendant of one of the fairest of women. "Suivez-moi!"

Without a moment's hesitation or loss of time, Gervase obeyed, and
allowing his guide to precede him at a little distance, followed
him through the corridors of the hotel, out at the hall door and
beyond, through the garden. A clock struck ten as they passed into
the warm evening air, and the mellow rays of the moon were
beginning to whiten the sides of the Great Pyramid. A few of the
people staying in the hotel were lounging about, but these paid no
particular heed to Gervase or his companion. At about two hundred
yards from the entrance of the Mena House, the Nubian stopped and
waited till Gervase came up with him.

"Madame la Princesse vous aime, Monsieur Gervase!" he said, with a
sarcastic grin. "Mais,--elle veut que l'Amour soit toujours
aveugle! oui, toujours! C'est le destin qui vous appelle,--il faut
soumettre! L'Amour sans yeux! oui!--en fin,--comme ca!"

And before Gervase could utter a word of protest, or demand the
meaning of this strange proceeding, his arms was suddenly seized
and pinioned behind his back, his mouth gagged, and his eyes
blindfolded.

"Maintenant," continued the Nubian. "Nous irons ensemble!"