own nothing about
him if they hadn't found two letters upon him, one to me and one to
father, saying that his wife's story was a lie, and that he could swear
that neither of them could in any way identify either of us from the
other. He recovered consciousness before he died, and signed in the
presence of witnesses a deposition to the same effect. So you saw me at
Korti, Edgar, and would not make yourself known? I would not have
believed it of you."

"Well, you see, Rupert, I did not know at the time that the sergeant was
who he was, and still believed the woman's story to be true. Besides, I
had gone my own way, and did not mean to see any of you again until I
had got on and could do without assistance. It seemed to me to be like
asking for help, and after all that I had had under false pretences I
would have rather died than do that."

"But you see it wasn't under false pretences, Edgar, and you had as much
right to consider yourself father's son as I had. You must have known
that from the sergeant afterwards."

"Yes, I did learn that," Edgar allowed, "but I think that made me even
more disinclined than before to show myself; it would have looked as if
I had come back only to put in a claim."

"You are the most pig-headed fellow I ever saw, Edgar. However, I hope
you have got out of all that feeling now."

"Quite, Rupert; I am quite ready to go back with you and beg their
pardon at home for all the trouble I have given them. And to think that
you have run all this awful risk to find me!"

"Stuff and nonsense, Edgar! When I found that you had been carried away
as a slave, as a matter of course I determined to get you out as soon as
possible, just as you would have done had I been caught by them; but I
could have done nothing if it hadn't been for this Arab I am travelling
with. Of course he will be well paid; but still men are often tempted to
be unfaithful however well they are paid;" and then he went on to tell
Edgar of the arrangement that had been made with the sheik. Edgar in
return gave him a short sketch of his life since they had parted at
Cheltenham, and told him of the promises he had made to El Bakhat if he
would take him down to one of the Red Sea ports.

"I suppose they are discussing the matter together," he said, glancing
at the two Arabs, who were deep in conversation on the other side of the
fire. "Well, sheik, what plan have you determined upon?"

"We both think that it will be impossible for