# The Beggars' Revenge explained — Khaled > Chapter companion for Khaled by F. Marion Crawford. ## What happens Abdullah prepares to overthrow Khaled with the support of Bedouin tribes and townspeople, but his plan is overheard by a beggar. The beggars, led by their sheikh, capture Abdullah and his wife Almasta as they attempt to enter the palace in disguise. They shave Abdullah's beard and eyebrows, humiliating him, while Almasta is spared. Meanwhile, Abdullah's followers gather outside the palace, waiting for a signal that never comes. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Rumor Abdullah's plot is based on rumor and deception, but he himself is deceived and captured by the beggars. ### Honor and Reputation Abdullah's humiliation (shaving his beard) is a deliberate attack on his honor and reputation. ### Power and Legitimacy The struggle for the throne between Khaled and Abdullah highlights themes of power and legitimacy. ## Character check-ins ### Abdullah ibn Mohammed el Herir Plans to overthrow Khaled, is captured and humiliated by beggars who shave his beard and eyebrows. ### Almasta Accompanies Abdullah in disguise; captured by beggars but spared from humiliation. ### Khaled Reported to be in fear, remains hidden in the harem; the target of Abdullah's conspiracy. ### The Blind Man A beggar who feels Abdullah's shaved head and compares it to a walking-staff. ## Key lines > Abdullah was exceedingly busy with his preparations, and spent much time in talking with other sheikhs, hardly making any concealment of his movements or plans. Abdullah openly discussed his plans with other leaders, making little effort to hide his intentions. _Shows Abdullah's overconfidence and lack of secrecy._ > The beggars seemed to be multiplied exceedingly in Riad, for whenever Abdullah went out of his house they came upon him, sometimes by twos and threes and sometimes in scores, pressing close to him and begging alms. Beggars appeared in large numbers around Abdullah, crowding him and asking for money. _The beggars are spying on Abdullah and using their numbers to harass him._ > Abdullah was not dissatisfied with these words, and the beggars said much more to the same effect, which he regarded as signs of his popularity, so that he opened his purse from time to time and threw handfuls of money into the crowd, not counting the cost since he expected to be master of all the treasure in Riad within a few days. Abdullah enjoyed the beggars' praise and gave them money freely, believing he would soon control the city's treasure. _Highlights Abdullah's vanity and his mistaken belief in his own popularity._ > We only wish to shave off your beard, but if you are restless some of your hide will certainly be removed also, whereby you will be hurt and it will be still harder for your friends to recognise you tomorrow. The beggars intend only to shave his beard, but warn that struggling will cause injury and make him even less recognizable. _The beggars' plan to humiliate Abdullah without killing him._ > By this time Abdullah has slain Khaled, said some, and the daughter of the old Sultan is a prisoner. And by this time, said others, Abdullah is surely unlocking the treasure chamber and filling a barley-sack with pearls and rubies. Some of the waiting conspirators believe Abdullah has already killed Khaled and is looting the treasure. _Shows the expectations and greed of Abdullah's followers._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/khaled_se/chapters/xi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/khaled_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/khaled_se/chapters