for a negro. His uncle might
refuse to pay more."

For some minutes the Arabs conversed with each other in a low tone; and
then one of them replied, "It is well. We will take one hundred dollars
for the negro. And now get ready for the road. We shall start with you
to-morrow morning by daybreak."

The merchants then went off to complete their bargain with the old
sheik, and make other arrangements for their departure.

For a few minutes the white slaves kept uttering exclamations of delight
at the prospect of being once more restored to liberty. Jim then gave
them a translation of what he had said about the Krooman.

"I know the Arab character so well," said he, "that I did not wish to
agree to all their terms without a little haggling, which prevents them
from entertaining the suspicion that we are trying to deceive them.
Besides, as the Krooman is not an English subject, there may be great
difficulty in getting him redeemed; and we should therefore bargain for
him as cheaply as possible."

Not long after the Arab merchants had taken their departure from the
pen, a supply of food and drink was served out to them: which, from its
copiousness, proved that it was provided at the expense of their new
owners.

This beginning augured well for their future treatment; and that night
was spent by the Boy Slaves in a state of contentment and repose,
greater than they had experienced since first setting foot on the
inhospitable shores of the Saaera.

CHAPTER LXXII.

ONWARD ONCE MORE.

Early next morning our adventurers were awakened and ordered to prepare
for the road.

The Arab merchants had purchased from their late hosts three donkeys,
upon which the white slaves were allowed to ride in turns. Harry Blount,
however, was distinguished from the rest. As the nephew of the rich
merchant, "For God's sake buy us!" he was deemed worthy of higher favor,
and was permitted to have a camel.

In vain he protested against being thus _elevated_ above his companions.
The Arabs did not heed his remonstrances, and at a few words from Jim he
discontinued them.

"They think that we are to be released from slavery by the money of your
relative," said Jim, "and you must do nothing to undeceive them. Not to
humor them might awaken their suspicions. Besides, as you are the
responsible person of the party,--the one whose throat is to be cut if
the money be not found,--you are entitled to a little distinction, as a
compensati