or Bill declared that the brief time in which he was employed in
consuming the few mouthfuls allowed him, was a moment of enjoyment that
repaid him for all the sufferings of the day.

"Ah, Master Arry!" said he, "it's only now we are larnin' to live,
although I did think, one time to-day, we was just larnin' to die. I
never mean to eat again until I'm hungry Master Terry," he added,
turning to the young Irishman, "isn't this foine livin' intirely? and
are yez not afther bein' happy?"

"'T is the most delicious food man ever ate," answered Terence, "and the
only fault I can find is that there is not enough of it."

"Then you may have what is left of mine," said Colin, "for I can't say
that I fancy it."

Harry, Terence, and the sailor gazed at the young Scotchman with
expressions of mingled alarm and surprise. Small as had been the amount
of _sangleh_ with which Colin had been served, he had not eaten more
than one half of it.

"Why, puir Maister Colly, what is wrang wi' ye?" exclaimed Bill, in a
tone expressing fear and pity. "If ye dinna eat, mon, ye'll dee."

"I'm quite well," answered Colin, "but I have had plenty, and any of you
can take what is left."

Though the hunger of Colin's three companions was not half satisfied,
they all refused to finish the remainder of his supper, hoping that he
might soon find his appetite, and eat it himself.

The pleasure they had enjoyed in eating the small allowance given them
rendered it difficult for them to account for the conduct of their
companion. His abstemiousness caused them uneasiness, even alarm.

CHAPTER XLV.

COLIN IN LUCK.

The next morning, when the caravan started, Colin again had the care of
the young black. He did not always have to carry him, as part of the
time the boy trotted along by his side.

During the fore-part of the day, the young Scotchman with his charge
easily kept up with his companions, and some of the time might be seen a
little in advance of them. His kind attentions to the boy were observed
by Golah, who showed some sign of human feeling, by exhibiting a
contortion of his features intended for a smile.

Towards noon, Colin appeared to become fatigued with the toil of the
journey, and then fell back to the rear, as he had done the evening
before. Again the anxious mother, ever mindful of the welfare of her
offspring, was seen to check her camel, and wait until Colin and the boy
overtook her.

Sailor Bill had been much surp