llowed to wander in
the neighbourhood of the camp he found that one of the blacks was always
strictly watching him, and that even had he intended to escape he should
have no opportunity of so doing. He now observed that the Arabs marched
more cautiously than heretofore, that scouts were sent out and returned
frequently to report what was going on in front. At last one day the
caravan halted earlier than usual, and the pagazis were immediately set
to work to cut down young trees, with which stockades were formed round
the camp, and every man remained under arms. The Arab leaders, seated
on carpets outside their huts, held long consultations, which, though
Ned attended them, he was unable to understand a word that was said. He
guessed, however, from their gestures and the expression of their
countenances, that some were counselling peace and others war--that the
advice of the latter prevailed he judged from the excited tones of their
voices, while the chief's touched the hilts of their swords, or drew
them from their scabbards and flourished them in the air. The opinion
he came to from all he heard and saw was that some potentate or other,
through whose country they desired to pass, had prohibited their
progress, and that they had determined to force their onward way in
spite of his opposition. That many of the chiefs had for some time been
prepared for this Ned was convinced from the preparations they had made.

Leaving a garrison within the camp to guard their goods, the next
morning the little army commenced its march, each chief dressed in his
gayest attire, attended by a lad carrying his gun, drums beating,
colours flying, and musical instruments emitting strange sounds, while
the black followers of the Arabs chanted their various war songs in
discordant tones. Mohammed had sent for Ned, and by signs made him
understand that he was to be his armour-bearer, and to accompany him to
battle. Ned was very much inclined to decline the honour. He
questioned whether the Arabs had any right to insist on marching through
a country claimed by others. Whatever quarrel might exist it was no
concern of his. Then came the point, should he refuse, he would be
looked upon with contempt and treated as a slave, and would have less
chance of escaping; as to the danger, it did not enter into his
calculations. "The Arab insists on my accompanying him, and will make
me promise to fight, so fight I must," he thought. "I do not s