Lion of Petra (Unabridged). Talbot Mundy

at one time—and helped him to escape.

      “I’ve never set eyes on her, but they say she’s a rare good-looker and has more brains in her little finger than most men keep under their hats. I’m told she has designs on the throne of Mesopotamia.”

      “Mespot? I thought the League of Nations was going to let the Arabs choose their own king.”

      “Sure. And as soon as she sees that Ali Higg’s pretensions don’t amount to a row of shucks I wouldn’t give ten piastres for that gentleman’s lease of life! Borgia had nothing on her, they tell me.”

      “So we’re out to play chess with a white woman. Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

      “What’s your hurry?” asked Grim. “If you find out too much all at once you’ll lose your bearings. I’ll introduce you to the lady if we ever reach Petra right side up. Now let’s eat, and get a move on. A full belly for a long march! Come.”

* Poverty-stricken.