midnight
Ismail will take thy head and mine , if he discovers to-night 's business . Go then with a soft tread , Mizraim . Let thy hand be quick on his mouth , and beware that no one sees ! '' Upon the stroke of midnight Dicky entered the room where Selamlik Pasha awaited him with a malicious and greasy smile , in which wanton cruelty was uppermost . Selamlik Pasha knew well the object of this meeting . He had accurately interpreted the message brought by Mahommed Yeleb . He knew his power ; he knew that the Englishman 's life was in his hands to do with what he chose , for the law of the harem which defies all outside law was on his side .