"You will see before the night is over," he replied. "My companions
have departed from the original intention of our expedition, and I feel
much disposed to separate from them, but yet if I do I shall gain no
profits, and my friends will have cause to complain."

"Is Abdullah going to trade with the inhabitants of yonder village?"
asked Ned.

"No," answered Sayd; "he and the other leaders have devised a plan for
acquiring not only all the wealth it contains, but at the same time
bearers to convey it to the coast. We have already lost so many pagazis
that we shall be unable to transport more than a small portion of what
we may purchase."

"Do they, then, intend to attack the village and make slaves of the
unfortunate people?" asked Ned.

"It is that they propose to do. It is bad, very bad," answered Sayd.

"Then let me urge you to take no part in the proceeding," said Ned. "If
you cannot prevent them from committing the crime they contemplate,
separate yourself at once from the caravan, take a different route, and
endeavour to obtain the friendship of the natives. I have heard that
they look with respect on Englishmen, who always treat them justly. I
may, therefore, be of some use to you, as, when they see an Englishman,
they will know that we wish to be at peace, and desire to deal fairly
with them."

"You are right," observed the Arab; "I will order my people to be
prepared for marching in the direction I may determine on."

Ned was satisfied as far as Sayd was concerned. He desired also,
however, if possible, to prevent Abdullah from carrying out his infamous
project, but how to do so was the question. An attempt to warn the
villagers of Abdullah's designs would be very difficult. He could not
speak to the Arab leader himself, and Sayd declared that he had already
said all he could to dissuade him. He had, therefore, to wait the
course of events. The caravan remained concealed in the wood, watching
the village, until all the lights were extinguished and it was supposed
that the inhabitants had gone to rest. In perfect silence the Arabs
marshalled their forces, several of the pagazis being also armed, while
the remainder, with a small guard over them, were left in the wood with
the goods and provisions.

Sayd, on seeing this, true to his word, drew off his own men, greatly to
the anger of Abdullah and the other chiefs. Ned accompanied him, but
Chando was obliged to remain in the camp. It was bett