t be deceived.

About two hours before sunset all were again in the saddle; and, riding
out of the gateway, took a path leading up the mountain on which stands
the city of Santa Cruz.

When about half-way up, a party of horsemen, between twenty and thirty
in number, was seen coming after them at full speed.

Rais Mourad remembered the threat made by the grazier who claimed the
slaves as his property, and every exertion was made to reach the city
before his party could be overtaken.

The horses ridden by the white slaves were small animals, in poor
condition, and were unable to move up the hill with much speed, although
their riders had been reduced by starvation to the very lightest of
weights.

Before reaching the level plain on the top of the hill, the pursuers
gained on them rapidly, and had lessened the distance between the two
parties by nearly half a mile. The nearest gate of the city was still
more than a mile ahead, and towards it the Moors urged their horses with
all the energy that could be inspired by oaths, kicks, and blows.

As they neared the gate the herds of their pursuers were seen just
rising over the crest of the hill behind them. But as Rais Mourad saw
that his slaves were now safe, he checked his steed, and the few yards
that remained of the journey were performed at a slow pace, for the Moor
did not wish to enter the gate of a strange city in a hasty or
undignified manner.

No delay on passing the sentinels, and in five minutes more the weary
slaves dismounted from their nearly exhausted steeds, and were commanded
by Rais Mourad to thank God that they had arrived safe in the Empire of
Morocco.

In less than a quarter of an hour after Bo Muzem and the grazier rode
through the gateway, accompanied by a troop of fierce-looking Arab
horsemen.

The wrath of the merchant seemed to have waxed greater in the interval,
and he appeared as if about to make an immediate attack upon Harry
Blount, the chief object of his spiteful vengeance.

In this he was prevented by Rais Mourad, who appealed to an officer of
the city guard to protect him.

The officer informed the merchant that while within the walls of the
city he must not molest other people, and Bo Muzem was compelled to give
his word that he would not do so: that is to say, he was bound over to
keep the peace.

The other Arabs, in whose company they had come, were also given to
understand that they were in a Moorish city; and, as they saw