Band books

Jacot could see him in conversation with a tall,
white-robed figure--evidently the leader of the band. Presently
the sergeant and this Arab rode side by side toward camp. Jacot
awaited them. The two reined in and dismounted before him.
"Sheik Amor ben Khatour," announced the sergeant by way of
introduction.
Captain Jacot eyed the newcomer. He was acquainted with nearly
every principal Arab within a radius of several hundred miles.
This man he never had seen. He was a tall, weather beaten, sour
looking man of sixty or more. His eyes were narrow and evil.
Captain Jacot did not relish his appearance.
"Well?" he asked, tentatively.
The Arab came directly to the point.
"Achmet ben Houdin is my sister's son," he said. "If you will
give him into my keeping I will see that he sins no more against
the laws of the French."
Jacot shook his head. "That cannot be," he replied. "I must take
him back with me. He will be properly and fairly tried by a civil
court. If he is innocent he will be released."
"And if he is not innocent?" asked the Arab.
"He is charged with many murders.


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