Now what,鈥� said Sir Henry, is our black friend driving at? He knows more than he chooses to say, that is clear. By the way, Quatermain, has he heard anything of 鈥� of my brother?鈥�

Let my lords say on.鈥�

Nay, my lord, they came down to us from our forefathers. We know not who made them, and there are but few left.7 None but those of royal blood may be clad in them. They are magic coats through which no spear can pass, and those who wear them are well-nigh safe in the battle. The king is well pleased or much afraid, or he would not have sent these garments of steel. Clothe yourselves in them to-night, my lords.鈥�

鈥楤aas, have you ever heard of Suliman鈥檚 Berg?鈥欌�� that is, Solomon鈥檚 Mountains, Sir Henry.