. For twenty pounds he could get from the quarter-master's
stores plenty of goods for the purpose, and as these could be used for
barter it would obviate the necessity of carrying silver. The offer
added to the good temper of the sheik and his followers, and as Rupert
walked back to Major Kitchener's tent with him the latter said, "I
think, Clinton, you have won your fellows fairly over. I could see by
the way they discussed the routes to be followed, that they have got
thoroughly interested in the matter themselves, and will throw
themselves heartily into it. I really think you have a very fair chance
of getting through this business safely. I did not think so when you
first proposed it to me, but the difficulties seem to have disappeared
as we have gone on; and now that I have seen you in disguise, I think
that, unless from some unforeseen accident, or some forgetfulness on
your own part, there is no reason why you should not travel with those
Arabs from end to end of the Soudan."

CHAPTER XVII.

A RUNAWAY SLAVE.

Negroes have an immense respect for strength, and the, to him,
astounding manner in which Edgar had struck down his comrade as by a
stroke of lightning completely cowed the other negro, and he resumed his
work with Edgar with an air of timidity; but he soon recovered from
this, and before long was laughing and joking at the speed with which
the bucket was being raised and emptied, the water pouring out at a rate
vastly exceeding that usually achieved by their leisurely movements.
Indeed, he entered heartily into the fun of the thing, repeating Edgar's
English words of "Now, then, up she goes!" "Over with her!" and working
until the perspiration rolled down his black skin as fast as it did down
Edgar's white one. The other man had thrown himself down by the trough,
and lay there bathing his face with water till at an angry shout from
the sheik he rose to his feet and joined in the work sullenly and
silently.

"There is no great harm done," Edgar said cheeringly to him. "You had no
beauty to spoil, so you will be none the worse that way. You have had a
lesson, and it will do you good. I daresay we shall get on very well
together in future." Hamish gave an angry growl; he was in no mood for a
reconciliation, and continued to work silently until the sun went down.
As soon as it sunk below the sand-hills the negroes ceased work, and
signified to Edgar that their time of labour was over.

The sheik h