rry; "see what you have done by opposing our
plan! We are all helpless now."

"And so much the better for yourselves," answered Colin. "You will now
suffer no further harm."

"If he means no harm, why has he bound us?" asked Bill. "It's a queer
way of showing friendship."

"Yes, but a safe one," answered Colin. "You cannot now bring yourselves
into danger by a foolish resistance to his will."

Terence and Harry understood Colin's meaning; and now, for the first
time, comprehended the reason why they had been bound.

It was to prevent them from interfering with Golah's plans for the
disposal of his two victims.

Now that the white slaves were secured, no danger was apprehended from
the others; and the two who had been guarding them, retired to the shade
of a tent to refresh themselves with a drink of cheni.

While the brief conversation above related was being held, Golah had
become busily engaged in overhauling the lading of one of his camels.

The object of his search was soon discovered: for, the moment after, he
came towards them carrying a long Moorish spade.

Two of the black slaves were then called from the line; the spade was
placed in the hands of one, and a wooden dish was given to the other.
They were then ordered to make a large hole in the sand,--to accomplish
which they at once set to work.

"They are digging a grave for me, or that of the poor woman,--perhaps
for both of us?" suggested Colin, as he calmly gazed on the spectacle.

His companions had no doubt but that it was as he had said; and sat
contemplating the scene in melancholy silence.

While the slaves were engaged in scooping up the hole, Golah called the
two guards, and gave them some orders about continuing the journey.

The blacks set about the work were but a few minutes in making an
excavation in the loose sand of some four feet in depth. They were then
directed to dig another.

"It's all over with me," said Colin; "he intends to kill two, and of
course I must be one of them."

"He _should_ kill us all," exclaimed Terence. "We deserve it for leaving
the well last night. We should have made an effort for our lives, while
we had the chance."

"You are right," replied Harry; "we _are_ fools, cowardly fools! We
deserve neither pity in this world nor happiness in the next. Colly, my
friend, if you meet with any harm, I swear to avenge it, whenever my
hands are free."

"And I'll be with you," added Terence.

"Never mind me, o