Bites by spiders, otherwise known as arachnidism, seem to hold a particular terror for humans. There is significant fear of these organisms (araneophobia), and yet few actually cause disease.

The sounds of Moslem life are still; / No mule-bell tinkles down the hill; / Stretched in the broad court of the khan, / The dusty Bornou caravan / Lies heaped in slumber, beast and man […].

“Ah, I thought my memory didn’t deceive me!” he lipped silently.

Do you recall this question having been put to you—the shylocking business you were involved in continued right up until the time that you were arrested, correct?