arch, at the time it
escaped from him. Had our adventurers been better acquainted with Saaeran
customs, they would have concluded that this had been the case: for they
would have known that, on the approach of a "shuma"--the "forecasts" of
which are well known--the Bedouins at once, and in all haste, break up
their encampments; and put themselves, and their whole personal
property, in motion. Otherwise, they would be in danger of getting
smoored under the settling sand-drift.

Following the counsels of the sailor--whose desert knowledge appeared as
extensive as if it, and not the sea, had been his habitual home--our
adventurers crouched down in such a way as not to be seen by any one
passing along the beach.

Scarcely had they placed themselves in this humble attitude, when Old
Bill--who had been keeping watch all the while, with only the upper half
of his head elevated above the combing of the sand-wreath--announced, by
a low exclamation, that something was in sight.

Two dark forms were seen coming along the shore, from the southward; but
at so great a distance that it was impossible to tell what sort of
creatures they might turn out.

"Let me have a look," proposed Colin. "By good luck, I've got my glass.
It was in my pocket as we escaped from the ship; and I didn't think of
throwing it away."

As the young Scotchman spoke, he took from the breast of his dreadnought
jacket, a small telescope,--which, when drawn out to its full extent,
exhibited a series of tubes, _en echelon_, about half a yard in length.
Directing it upon the dark objects,--at the same time taking the
precaution to keep his own head as low down as possible,--he at once
proclaimed their character.

"They're two bonny bodies," said he, "dressed in all the colors of the
rainbow. I can see bright shawls, and red caps, and striped cloaks. One
is mounted on a horse; the other bestrides a camel,--just such a one as
this by our side. They're coming along slowly; and appear to be staring
about them."

"Ah, that be hit," said Old Bill. "It be the howners of this 'eer brute.
They be on the sarch for her. Lucky the drift-sand hae covered her
tracks,--else they'd come right on to us. Lie low, Masther Colin. We
mayn't show our heeds over the combin' o' the sand. They'd be sure to
see the size o' a saxpence. We maun keep awthegither oot o' sicht."

One of the old sailor's peculiarities--or, perhaps, it may have been an
eccentricity--was, that in addressi