There was the noise of men talking, the trunk was lifted from the hands of the deaf mutes, and, as Yamina saw the glimmer of a gilt colonnette, she knew that she was on the Royal Caïque.

She was set down suddenly with a bang that made her gasp with the shock of it and now there was the distinct sensation of a boat rising and falling on the water and the murmur of the rowers as they waited with their golden-tipped oars.

Yamina, feeling a little cramped, moved very cautiously into a more comfortable position.

The silk clothes that Mihri had piled on top of her felt heavy, but she dared to push them only a little aside in case someone should open the trunk.

It was most unlikely, but still it would be crazy to take risks at this moment.

She could not help being aware that if she was discovered and taken back into the harem, not only would she be severely punished but Mihri also would be involved and probably lose the favour of the Sultan.

Sahin too would certainly lose his life for assisting a woman to escape.

‘Please God, don’t let me be discovered!’ Yamina prayed.

Perhaps it was her imagination but she felt already, because she was not overshadowed in a building in which everyone prayed incessantly to Allah, that her prayers seemed more fervent and she could hope that they were being heard.

‘Help me! Please help me!’ she whispered beneath her breath and at that moment she heard English voices.

At first she could not hear what was said, she only knew by the intonation that the men approaching were speaking in English.

Then suddenly it was quite easy to hear clearly a voice saying,

“I wish you bon voyage, dear boy. Write to me in detail of everything you find on arrival. You know how interested I shall be.”

“You know that I shall need your help,” a voice replied and Yamina drew in her breath.

There was no mistaking that cold rather aloof tone. At the same time the voice had a depth that was all its own.

She could hardly believe it was possible and yet, when he spoke again, she knew that it was Lord Castleford who had spoken.

“Thank you, my Lord, not only for my visit, but also for everything you have done for me.”

“Take care of yourself.”

As he made no reply, Lord Castleford must have stepped aboard.

Yamina could actually hear his steps on the white wood deck.

Then she heard Sahin speak.

“There is a present aboard, Your Excellency,” he said in most respectful tones.

“A present?” Lord Castleford enquired.