ng for the first time a
lively interest in the matter, "it might be possible. However, I will
try first of all if the officer will accept a bribe. If he will do so it
will give us two days' start, and we can then arrange matters as you
say."

Without another word he rose and went to the door of the tent. The two
sentries placed there stepped forward and told him that their orders
were that he was not to leave it.

"I wish not to leave it," he said; "I desire only to speak to your
commander. I have something of importance to say to him. Will you pray
him to come to me?"

One of the sentries at once went across to the commander's tent and
shortly returned with him.

"Master," the sheik said, "I have done wrong in journeying without a
license, but I came from the desert and did not know the law. I must pay
for my fault, though I cannot think that the commander at El-Obeid would
be hard upon one who has erred from ignorance. However, as it is urgent
for me to press on my journey, I will relinquish to you one-third of my
camels and their burdens if you will let us travel on with the others,
and give us a permit from yourself so that none may molest us in
future."

As the officer had no suspicion that the Arab's first story was untrue
he hesitated; then he said, "Not so; all your camels are forfeited for
breaking the laws of the Mahdi."

"But those who err in ignorance are surely not punished like those who
err wilfully," the sheik urged. "But I am pressed for time. I am
journeying south to the tents of my wife's father, who has sent to say
that he is sick unto death and wishes to see her before he dies. Be
content, my lord, and take half the camels." The officer thought that
the offer was a good one. It was probable that the governor of El-Obeid
would not fine the Arab more than half his camels, seeing that he had
broken the law inadvertently, and in that case he himself would have but
a small share in the spoil; whereas if he consented to the proposal, the
camels would all fall to himself, saving one or two he might give to his
officers to induce them to keep silence as to the affair.

"I will be more merciful than you deserve, Arab," he said; "I will take
half your camels with their loads; but see that you cheat me not; if you
do, it will be worse for you. Divide the animals and goods to-morrow
morning in two equal parts. I will take that which pleases me most. I
have spoken;" and turning upon his heel he went bac