Why should Cairo be the cesspool of European iniquity? Personally, as I said before, I'm very sorry the Australians did not burn the whole of that rotten quarter down." 

 

 

 CHAPTER IV 

 TREASURE TROVE 

 "Look here, men," said Colonel Killem, "I want to talk to you about some interesting things, especially your conduct towards Mohammedans. First of all, Doolan, tell me what a Mohammedan means?" 

 "Sure, sir, it manes a nigger who jabbers 'Allah' when yis put a bayonet in his guts." 

 "Not exactly; but what would you shout if you got a bayonet in your tummy." 

 "A gill of the best, sir." 

 "Well, now, a Mohammedan's a sort of eastern fanatic who thinks he'll get a 'corner lot' in Paradise if he reads the Koran and dies on the edge of your bayonets. Mecca is his holy shrine, and the old Sultan acts as a sort of elder or high priest who takes up the collections. We meet 'em ourselves—religious beggars who're always passing round the hat for ninepence to make up another shilling. Religion is always an expensive business, except in Scotland, where you get free seats to support the Kirk and Government. Isn't that so, Brown?" 

 "Jist in the Auld Kirk, sir, but I belang tae the Wee Frees." 

 "Who are the Wee Frees?" 

 "The Wee Frees were started by a lot o' Hielan-men oot o' a job." 

 "What were they after?" 

 "Deevidends, sir." 

 The Colonel grinned. Continuing, he said, "Now, men, these Mohammedans are very touchy. You've got to be careful how you treat them. For example, their headgear is sacred. Don't touch it. And when you get a little of home-brewed Scotch into you, don't knock their head-dress off. They'll probably knife you. It isn't a pleasant thing to get a rusty blade stuck into your kidneys. Bad for the health, I assure you. 

 

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