in reaching this place before
Golah, they could lie in wait for his arrival. They were certain he must
visit this watering-place to save his animals from perishing with
thirst.

At noonday a halt was made not far from the beach. It was only for a
short while; for they were anxious to reach the well as soon as
possible. The few minutes spent at the halting-place were well employed
by the boy slaves in gathering shell-fish and bathing their bodies in
the surf.

Refreshed by this luxurious food, as well as by the washing, of which
they were greatly in need, they were able to proceed at a better pace;
so that about an hour before sunset the caravan arrived at the well.

Just before reaching it, the old sheik and one of his companions had
dismounted and walked forward to examine such tracks as might be found
about the place. They were chagrined to find that Golah had been before.
He had been to the well, and obtained a supply of water. His footmarks
were easily identified. They were fresh, having been made but an hour or
two before the arrival of the caravan; and in place of their having to
wait for Golah, he was undoubtedly waiting for them. They felt sure that
the black sheik was not far off, watching for a favorable opportunity of
again paying them a nocturnal visit. They could now understand why he
had not attempted to molest them on the preceding night. He had been
hastening forward, in order to reach the well in advance of them.

The apprehensions of the Arabs became keener and keener after this
discovery. They were also much puzzled as to what they should do; and a
diversity of opinion arose as to the best plan for guarding the camp
against their implacable foe. Some were in favor of staying by the well
for several days, until the supply of water which their enemy had taken
with him should be exhausted. Golah would then have to revisit the well,
or perish of thirst upon the desert. The idea was an ingenious one, but
unfortunately their stock of provisions would not admit of any delay,
and it was resolved that the journey should be resumed at once.

Just as they were preparing to move away from the well, a caravan of
traders arrived from the south, and the old sheik made anxious inquiries
as to whether the new-comers had seen any one on their route. The
traders, to whom the caravan belonged, had that morning met three men
who answered to the description of Golah and his companions. They were
journeying south, and