I went to the American consulate and in time learned the story of how you and the stallion had survived the sinking of the Drake. Then there were the news pictures and I was certain that it was Shêtân.”

Alec looked into the serious black eyes of the Arab. “If all you say is true,” he asked, “how do you account for the attack on the Black last night?”

Abu Ja‘ Kub ben Ishak was silent.

Henry said, “We thought the guy who stole the Black might still be alive. Would he have any reason for killin’ him?”

The Arab’s face was like stone. He took the hypodermic from Henry’s hand and examined it.

Watching him, Alec said, “Then there was a gold chain left behind. Show it to him, Henry.”

Henry held the chain out to Abu Ja‘ Kub ben Ishak. There was no change in the Arab’s set face, no sign of recognition. Yet, Alec felt something in the still tenseness of the barn. He was certain that the great bird with outstretched wings was not unfamiliar to Abu Ja‘ Kub ben Ishak.

Finally, the Arab spoke and his voice was cold and brittle. “It is not known to me,” he said. Alec noticed that he did not ask to see the chain as he had the hypodermic. His whole attitude convinced Alec that there was much that he was keeping to himself. “I’ll return for Shêtân in an hour,” he said curtly. Then he nodded to the policemen, and they left the barn with him.

Alec and Henry didn’t speak, nor did they look at each other. Silently they walked to the stall door. The Black peered over, his eyes wild and staring. Abu Ishak was no stranger to him. He shifted his feet and flicked his long black tail; his nostrils were red and dilated.

Alec ran a hand through the stallion’s heavy mane. “Fella, what are we going to do?” His voice was low and strained. Finally, he turned and met Henry’s grave eyes. “Do you think he’d sell him, Henry?”

“No, Alec. He seems to want him pretty bad. And even if he would he’d ask a mighty high price for him. Where’d we get the money?”

“I’d get it … somewhere.” Alec was quiet for a moment. The Black nuzzled his neck. “Henry! I’ve got it! Maybe Mr. Volence or Mr. Hurst, owners of Cyclone and Sun Raider, might help us. They could lend us the money!”

“Yeah, they might at that. They’re both interested enough in him.