“At least thou canst tell me who is the owner of this place,” I said, slipping a couple of gold coins into his ready palm.
“I cannot. My mistress hath commanded my silence,” he answered, pocketing the bribe, nevertheless.
“May I learn nothing, then?” I asked.
“No. Our Queen of the Desert hath taken every precaution that thou shalt obtain no knowledge of certain facts. For her own sake secrecy is imperative, therefore, if thou holdest her in respect, seek not to loosen my tongue with thy gold.”
Then he pushed me gently but firmly outside, and with a parting word closed the iron-studded door again. The key grated in the lock as it was secured, and, gazing round, I found myself in the narrow crooked street.
For a few moments I hesitated. The moon shone brightly, and all was quiet, for it was long past midnight.
After a final look at the gloomy, mysterious house, I plunged into the labyrinth of Arab thoroughfares, and, half dazed by the strange, dreamy experience, I walked on, descending the steep, intricate streets, trusting to chance to bring me into the Place du Gouvernement, in the European quarter, wherein was situated my hotel.