latter was still in consultation with Fatima, his face wearing an
expression that was horrible for all except herself to behold. Murder by
excruciating torture seemed written on every feature of his countenance.

The woman, upon whose manner of death they were deliberating, was in the
act of caressing her children, apparently conscious that she had but a
few minutes more to remain in their company. Her features wore an
expression of calm and hopeless resignation, as if she had yielded
herself up to the decree of an inevitable fate.

The third wife had retired a short distance from the others. With her
child in her arms, she sat upon the ground, contemplating the scene
before her with a look of mingled surprise, curiosity, and regret.

From the appearance of the whole caravan, a stranger could have divined
that some event of thrilling interest was about to transpire.

"Colin," cried Terence, encouragingly, "we won't sit here quietly, and
see you meet death. We had better do something while yet we have a
chance. Let Harry give the word."

"I tell you it's madness," expostulated Colin. "Wait till we see what he
intends doing. Perhaps he'll keep me a while for future vengeance, and
ye may have a chance of a rescue when there are not two men standing
over us ready to blow our brains out."

Colin's companions saw there was truth in this remark, and for a while
they waited in silence, with their eyes fixed upon the tent of the
sheik.

They had not long to wait, for, soon after, Golah came forth, having
finished his consultation with Fatima.

On his face appeared a hideous smile,--a smile that made most of those
who beheld it shudder with a sensation of horror.

CHAPTER LI.

A LIVING GRAVE.

Golah's first act after coming forth was to take some thongs from his
saddle. Having done this, he beckoned to the two who guarded the slaves,
giving them some admonition in an unknown tongue. The effect was to
excite their greater vigilance. The muzzles of their muskets were turned
towards the white captives, and they seemed anxiously waiting the order
to fire.

Golah then looked towards Terence, and made a sign for the young
Irishman to get up and come towards him.

Terence hesitated.

"Go on, Terry," muttered Colin "He don't mean _you_ any harm."

At this instant Fatima stepped out from the tent, armed with her
husband's scimitar, and apparently anxious for an opportunity of using
it.

Acting under the advice