ll pass unnoticed. Some men are more
silent than others, and you need speak but little when strangers are
with us. As one of ourselves you will attract less notice than as a
slave. None will say, 'Where did you get that fellow? To what part did
he belong? Was he brought from the Great Lakes? Are you inclined to sell
him? He is a likely youth. What will you take for him?'"

"I am ready to do what you think best, sheik," Edgar said, "and indeed
there can be no doubt that I am far less likely to be noticed if wrapped
up in your fashion than if I went half clothed as a slave."

Accordingly a low close-fitting turban was wound round Edgar's head, and
he was wrapped up in loose cotton garments covered with a burnoose, the
hood of which came over his head. His face, hands, and neck were
slightly stained, and when this was done the Arabs admitted that they
would not for a moment have suspected him of being other than he seemed.
Most of the women, children, and old men were left behind at the wady;
the goats and sheep would supply them with milk and cheese; there was a
sufficient supply of grain for their use until the crops that had been
sown as soon as they arrived should come into bearing; and when all
preparations were complete the party started on its way.

It consisted of twelve men mounted on camels, while two other animals
followed behind each of these. The sheik rode at the head of the party
upon the horse that had been captured from the Mahdists. Amina also had
a camel to herself, while the four other women who accompanied the party
rode two on a camel. Yussuf and five or six lads of from fifteen to
seventeen years old walked by the side of the camels. The led camels
were but lightly loaded, carrying only the tents, cooking utensils,
provender for the journey, and food and water for the party; and Edgar
could see no reason why Yussuf and the boys should not have ridden,
except that it was the custom for slaves and lads to walk.

It was a six days' journey to the point they aimed at, and the marches
were long ones. The supply of water carried was ample for the wants of
the party, and the camels were given a good drink before starting on the
fourth day's journey. They were turned loose each evening on arriving at
a halting-place, and left to pick up what subsistence they could from
the bushes, a good feed being given to them each morning from the
provender they carried. As they could have carried much more, Edgar
inqu