Here we go with Part Four of our brand new Tale for Our Time - Sax Rohmer's Mohammedan caper of 1914, The Quest of the Sacred Slipper.
In tonight's episode, Scotland Yard is concerned that an Islamic terror cell is on the loose in London:
Bristol frowned.
"Any one who has touched the receptacle containing the thing," he said, "has either been mutilated or murdered. I want to apprehend the authors of those outrages... Other crimes are sure to follow."
"I can only pursue my instructions," said Mr. Rawson dryly. "They are, that the work be done in such a manner as to expose all concerned to a minimum of risk from these mysterious people; that if possible a Moslem be employed for the purpose... Will you undertake to look for some—Eastern workmen, Mr. Bristol? In the course of your inquiries you may possibly come across such a person."
That was a bit of a long shot in 1914. A century later, it's still quite tricky to come across Mohammedan workmen, as so many of them are either on welfare or bigging up their own clan-based rape-gang-facilitating covers, such as the local mini-cab business.
Nonetheless, Mr Cavanagh agrees to give it a go, while cautioning a prospective applicant that one can't just go about murdering people because they're "a thorn in the flesh of the Faithful":
"You speak of the Hashishin?" asked the old man. "Mr. Cavanagh, in your own faith you have had those who spilled the blood of infidels as freely!"
"My good sir, the existence of such an organization cannot be tolerated today! This survival of the dark ages must be stamped out. However just a cause may be, secret murder is not permissible, as you, a man of culture, a Believer, and"—I glanced at his unusual turban—"a descendant of the Prophet, must admit."
"I can admit nothing against the Guardian of the Tradition, Mr. Cavanagh! The Prophet taught that we should smite the Infidel. I ask you—have you the courage of your convictions?"
The question is premature a century on, and replaced with one more basic: have you any convictions? Members of The Mark Steyn Club can hear Part Four of our tale simply by clicking here and logging-in. Earlier episodes can be found here.
Thank you for all your kind comments on this latest serialisation. First Weekend Founding Member Josh Passell says:
Let me strongly recommend the current Tale for Our Time, The Quest of The Sacred Slipper, as read by our host... Also, Greenmantle and The Tragedy Of The Korosko from the TfOT archives. I would not be the first to observe Islam's lurking presence where civilization ends... The bedrock of Western Civilization itself has cracked. As in the Sacred Slipper, from the inside.
~Tales for Our Time is now in its ninth season. So, if you've a friend who might be partial to our classic fiction outings, we have a special Gift Membership that, aside from audio yarns, also includes video poetry, live music and more.
Please join me tomorrow evening for Part Five of The Quest of the Sacred Slipper.
