“It happens that this idea of a school comes just at the right moment.  I have been searching my mind for just some such idea to lay before the notables.  As we are talking a language that none else here understands, I can safely take you into confidence.  A raid is being planned into British territory.”

He paused to let that sink in, and tapped my knee with his disgusting fingers until I could have struck him from irritation.

“There is, however, an element of disagreement.  There is uncertainty as to the outcome, in the minds of some of the chiefs who live nearest to the border.  The feeling among them is that perhaps I am urging them on in order to serve my own ambition at their expense.  They appreciate the opportunity to loot; but they say that the British will hit back afterwards, and they, being nearest to the border, will suffer most; whereas I stand to gain all and to lose nothing.  Very absurd, of course, but that is their argument.”

“Surely,” I said, “you don’t expect me to take my coat off and preach a jihad against the British?”

“Im Gotteswillen!  No, no, no!  This is my meaning:  if I can go before them with the offer of a school for El-Kerak, which the very worst scoundrel among them desires with all his ignorant heart; and if I can produce a distinguished gentleman from America, present among them on my invitation for the sole purpose of making the arrangements for such a school, that will convince them that I have their interests really at heart.  Do you see?”

Again the irritating fingers drumming on my knee.  I did not answer for fear of betraying ill-temper.

“I am a statesman, sir.  I understand the arguments with which whole nations may deceive themselves.  I have made it my profession to detect the trends of thought and the tides of unrest.  Psychological moments are for me a fascinating study.  I can recognize them.”

He laid the fat hand on my shoulder for a change, and tried to look into my eyes; but I was watching the edge of a curtain at the far end of the room.

“Now, to you, an American, our local dispute means nothing.  This raid is no affair of yours.  You wash your hands of it.  You, an altruist, are interested only in a school.  I offer you opportunity, building, subsidy, guarantees.  You reciprocate by giving me a talking point.  I shall make use of the opportunity.  That is settled.  And, let me see, I promised you inducements, didn’t I?”

He looked, at me and I looked at him.  He waited for a hint of some sort, but I made no move to help him out.

“What shall we say?”

I was as interested in the result of his appraisal as he was in making it.  Whether complimentary or not, another’s calculated judgment of your character is a fascinating thing to wait for.