rney early
the next morning.

After the departure of the two men the Arabs held a consultation.

"They have told us a lie," remarked the old sheik, "they are not on a
journey, or they would have halted here by the water. By the beard of
our Prophet they have spoken falsely!"

With this opinion his followers agreed; and it was suggested that the
two men they had seen were of some party encamped by the seashore, and
undoubtedly amusing themselves with a wreck, or gathering wealth in some
other unusual way.

Here was an opportunity not to be lost; and the Arabs determined to have
a share in whatever good fortune Providence might have thrown in the way
of those already upon the ground. If it should prove to be a wreck there
might be serious difficulty with those already in possession; it was
resolved, therefore, to wait for the morning, when they could form a
better opinion of their chances of success, should a conflict be
necessary to secure it.

CHAPTER LXIV.

THE RIVAL WRECKERS.

Early next morning the kafila was _en route_ for the seashore, which was
discovered not far distant. On coming near a douar of seven tents was
seen standing upon the beach: and several men stepped forward to receive
them.

The usual salutations were exchanged, and the new comers began to look
about them. Several pieces of timber lying along the shore gave evidence
that their conjecture, as to a wreck having taken place, had been a
correct one.

"There is but one God, and He is kind to us all," said the old sheik;
"He casts the ships of unbelievers on our shores, and we have come to
claim a share of His favors."

"You are welcome to all you can justly claim," answered a tall man, who
appeared to be the leader of the party of wreckers. "Mahomet is the
prophet of Him who sends favors to all, both good and bad. If he has
sent anything for you, look along the sea-beach and find it."

On this invitation the camels of the kafila were unloaded, and the tents
pitched. The new-comers then set about searching for the _debris_ of the
wrecked vessel.

They discovered only some spars, and other pieces of ship-timbers, which
were of no value to either party.

A consultation now took place between the old sheik and his followers.
They were unanimous in the belief that a sunken ship was near them, and
that they had only to watch the rival wreckers, and learn where she was
submerged.

Desisting from their search, they resolved to keep