Robert Hall

In the novel They Came to Baghdad, Robert Hall is a commercial traveller for the Achilles Works, Enfield. At the waiting room of the British consulate in Basrah, he suddenly drew a revolver and attempted to shoot an Arab who had just entered. Richard Baker, an archaeologist, also in the waiting room, struck at Hall's hand and made him drop the gun. It went off and missed the Arab who fled. Robert explained that he was just "having a bit of fun". He thought the Arab was someone who had cheated him over the purchase of some antika and he wanted to give him a scare, not shoot him. He took his leave rapidly, telling Baker that he is staying at the Airport Hotel should he been needed.Ho

The Arab who was shot at was actually Henry Carmichael. On entering the room, he sensed danger and recognised his old school friend Baker. Carmichael tapped out a warning to him in morse using his prayer beads. Although surprised, Baker recognised the signal and acknowledged by knocking his pipe on the seat. Thus alerted, Baker spotted Hall trying to take the revolver of out his suit. Hall was a stout man and the tightly fitting suit delayed the action, giving Baker the chance to intervene.

Gerald Clayton, the British consul at Basrah thought Hall's action was unusual as commercial travellers did not carry revolvers around. However, since the Arab escaped unharmed, he thought it best to let the matter slide.

Robert Hall attempt on Carmichael's life is just one of several performed by operatives of "The New Order". His name might well be an alias.