‘Indefinitely, I’m afraid,’ Kane replied.
‘So, you are old friends,’ Mahmoud said softly.
‘Hardly that,’ Skiros told him. ‘This man has done me great harm, One might even say he has also harmed you and your people. Because of his actions, Muller and I must leave the country. There will be no more arms for the border tribes.’
‘That is certainly most unfortunate and my people would not be pleased if they knew,’ Mahmoud said, ‘but Kane is a guest in my tents and his safety is as much my concern as is your own.’
Skiros shrugged. ‘Naturally, that is your own affair, but I feel I should warn you that this man is your enemy.’
Mahmoud walked away a few paces as if deep in thought and said slowly, ‘This woman you have in your tent, she belongs to you?’
Skiros stiffened and Muller mopped sweat from his face with a trembling hand. ‘In what way can this woman concern you?’ the German asked.
Mahmoud’s voice was quite calm. ‘Kane tells me that she is not your woman. That you have stolen her from him.’
Skiros shrugged carelessly. ‘I would expect him to say such a thing.’
‘I see,’ Mahmoud said thoughtfully. ‘Two versions of the same affair, each different. Logically, someone must be juggling with the truth. There is one obvious way to find out.’
He clapped his hands and there was a slight movement outside. Marie came through the entrance and stood facing them, blinking her eyes in the gloom, and then she saw Kane. An expression of wonder appeared on her face, and with a slight incredulous cry, she ran into his arms.
He held her close and ran a hand over her dark hair. ‘Are you all right?’ he said.
‘I’m fine – just fine.’ She touched his face gently. ‘I can’t quite believe it.’
Mahmoud placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her round to face him. ‘What is your name, child?’
She faced him proudly, chin up-tilted. ‘Marie Ferret.’
He nodded slowly. ‘I have heard of you. Your mother was a Rashid, was she not?’ He turned away and stood slightly to one side of the group so that he could see every face clearly. ‘This man Kane says that you are his woman. That Skiros has stolen you from him. Is this true?’
She nodded and the old sheik went on. ‘Are you married according to the Christian custom?’
‘No, we are not married,’ she said.
‘Has he known you, child?’ Mahmoud said gently.
There was a moment of stillness and Kane held his breath, praying that her answer would be the right one. She nodded her head slowly. ‘Yes, I have lain with this man.’
Skiros exploded angrily. ‘It’s a lie. This is a deliberate plot on the part of Kane. I told you he was my enemy.’
Mahmoud stilled him with a raised hand. ‘What woman would shame herself without reason? If she has lain with him, then she is his. She may not belong to another. She is of the blood of my people and it is our law.’
An expression of fury appeared on the German’s face, but by a supreme effort of will, he controlled his anger. He bowed stiffly, brushed aside the tent flap, and went out, Muller at his heels.
Jordan emitted an audible sigh of relief and Kane turned to Mahmoud. ‘What now?’
The old sheik smiled. ‘I think it best if she returns to her tent and stays there under guard until our friends leave.’
‘May I speak to her first?’ Kane said.
Mahmoud nodded. ‘For a little while only.’ He touched Jordan on the shoulder and led the way outside, leaving Kane and Marie alone.
She came into his arms and he held her close for a little while, and then they sat down. Kane was suddenly tired – really tired. ‘Have you got any cigarettes?’ he said.
She took a crumpled pack from her shirt pocket and gave him one. He inhaled and gave a sigh of content. ‘That tastes good.’
She reached over and smoothed back his hair. ‘You look as if you’ve been having a pretty thin time.’
‘I guess you could call it that.’