"Why not?" Black asked at once. He raised his eyebrows and pulled at his pipe until the tobacco in the bowl glowed red.
"Killing neutral diplomats is not the best way to keep friends," Selkirk explained.
"But these people are not friends," Black pointed out. "Friends would not talk to Germany and Turkey. If they act as enemies, we should destroy them when we have the chance."
Selkirk saw Crosier shift uneasily and wondered if he agreed with that.
"Depending on exactly where the Turks are holding the conference," Selkirk said, "I don"t think I will take everybody. Nineteen mounted men riding through Jerusalem would undoubtedly raise the alarm." He saw a nod of approval from Crosier, and decided to strengthen his case, "could you imagine Batsford trying to be inconspicuous?"
"Dear God a
