Evening star., 1933-05-24
CHAPTER XVII.
The Greedy Kaid.

the limped waters of the
rivers of Paradise, and We
understand each other, as pious,
learned and true believer understand
eth the words of the Book.
1.-TWO hundred and fifty thousand
marks In gold; four mountain guns,
such as take to pieces to be earned
on the backs of mules; ammunition
and a good and faithful man to INSTRUCT
nv gunners in the use and care oil such
guns.
And you yourself to remain in my
country until full and complete delivery
of all things agreed upon, ADDED the
Kaid
Sitting cross legged upon his cushion
the big stranger bowed low from tfle
waist, his head almost toucLlng MS
feet
at is agreed" he said. and on that
happy note the interview concluded.
"What think you of HIN. OH, Ralsli,
nv son?" inquired the Kaid. when the
stranger had been conducted from the
council chamber to the dungeonllke
guest room which had been allotted TO
him, land what said you to him IN MS
own tongue?'
IT spoke to him in English" replied
Raisul. Spoke suddenly. as you op-
served, and badc him reply instantly III
that tongue. He did SO, and Win a
marked German accent. Personally.
never trust any man. oh, my father,
but I believe he is German and what
he processes to be. say keep him IN
this country and let him send what
messages and messengers he Will. Mes
sengers chosen by you, Of course.
And YOU. my friend? Speak your
mind fully and frankly" said the Kaid
turning to the Senior Pedro Maligni
seated next to and slightly below him.
Undoubtedly he Is our German, and
undoubtedly the genuine agent" was
the prompt reply. Invaluable. nay
friend the German consul at Tangier
sent me a photograph of the fellow.
and said, in the covering letter. that
his information from the Friedrich
strasse was that he had started. That
would about tally with his arriving now.
"And then, of course, he has the pass
word" he continued, land that was
known to no other living person but you,
the consul and myself. Oh, yes, he's
genuine all right, and you can have
complete confidence in him."
'TLet me see the picture again." SAID
the Kaid Abdallah Karin.
Eyes, that is undoubtedly the same
man" he continued after a careful
and address of the German photog-
rapher. which Senior Pedro Maligni
produced from the leather case which
he always carried about his person.
HE asked for nothing for himself
which is a little suspicious" observed
the Kaid, whose natural habit it was to
Judge others by himself.
mo need to do So" the senior as
sured him. He'll get something for
himself, all right"
"Bribes. commissions, pickings, do
you mean?'
"Wen, WE'LL" smiled Maligni, "per-
hans. But was not thinking Of that.
What meant was that he'll get his re-
ward in his own country, from his own
employers. Honor, promotion, payment,
II he is successful here-if he foments
trouble among the tribes, and helps
you to wage successful war against the
French"
'I am to be the wasp that stings the
hand of Germany's enemy as he Is
about to strike, eh?" smiled the Kaid.
"Or as he is about to defend himself"
agreed Maligni.
$50" murmured the Kaid, and sat
awhile in thought Have you any
words to utter, Mahommed Ali el Amin,
the Trustworthy, the Reliable? What
is in your mind-or is it vacant, as
usual?"
The fine soldierly Moor smiled, bowed
and salaamed to his master. II am no
thinker, nor clever schemer, oh, Kaid,"
he replied In deep, sonorous voice.
'The man seemed to me to be good
man. solid and quiet and man of his
hands know nothing of policies and
plots, nor of the use Of words that have
two meanings, and my opinion Is OF no
worth but I tell you this, oh, my mas
ter-that man is soldier, a fighting
man. II he deny it. he is liar"
There is no denial nor pretense, oh.
Mahommed Ali el Amin" the Senor
Pedro Maligni assured him. ''The man
is no mere messenger. He is an officer
of the army of the Germans, and has
fought in this country Of Africa, where
he learned Arabic and the ways OF the
people, =
Amin. and fell silent
And shall we hear your voice. oh
son of my old and faithful friend?" IN
quired the Kaid courteously OF Jules
Maligni. For I am told that. though
young you are man OF learning, Wis
dom and understanding.
How should I speak words worthy
the attention of such one as the Kaid
Abd'allah Karin and in the presence
of my father and these wise men?" was
the modest reply. But, even as Ma
hommed Ali Ell Amin. the Trustworthy.
the Reliable, knows that this man Is
soldier, so know that he is German
Speaking to him in French, as one who
knew no German, received a reply in
French, and it was the French Of
German. He is, without a doubt, a
German. though I can say nothing else
about him.
"But what need?" he added, "since
my father can-and has his photo
graph, his password. and the statement
Of the German counsel that such man
was being sent from Berlin. Surely his
description and the photograph prove
1t. and obviously he could not have OBJ
tanned the chosen password by guile"
Surely" agreed the Kaid. stroking
his beard. every well Relying on the
the Sidi Pedro Maligni, and on the wis
dom of NV counselors here present.
will trust this man and accept him for
what he appears to be. But he shall
remain with us until We have the money
and arms And. indeed, until the fight
ing is over. since he is a soldier
Doubtless he would fight for us?"
he continued turning to Maligni.
Doubtless" agreed that gentleman.
"Of a certainty. He would willingly
take command of your artillery, or of
your cavalry. or of such portion Of your
infantry forces as you choose to put
in his charge. They are great soldiers.
these Germans. and this man knows
and maneuver brigade of all arms"
"You know much Of him." observed
the Kaid.
ct talked long with him :ast night"