sts stepped out through the cool grey, and a running
conversation seemed to be going on, as if the camels were comparing
notes about their loads and the unfairness of the masters, who had given
this a load too bulky, that, one too heavy, and another, moist
water-skins to carry, instead of a Hakim or chief.

But as the stars paled out and the light increased, the camels settled
down and shuffled silently along, while the silence extended to the
party, who all had their feelings of sadness to bear.

For doubts arose as to the success of the dangerous adventure. The
Sheikh felt that he was an old man, and that this journey, which must
inevitably last for many months, might be his last. His followers
thought of wife or child, and were ready to sigh as they pondered on the
perils and dangers ahead; while Hakim, professor, servant, and Frank,
each had his feeling of heart-soreness and doubt as to how the adventure
would end.

Frank's greatest suffering was from the thought that time went on so
fast while they went on so slowly. Already five days were dying out
since they reached the temporary home of the tribe, and now that the
start was made at last, how were they moving? In that long line of
animals and pacing men advancing like some gigantic, elongated, crawling
creature, whose home was the desert sand. Creeping patiently along,
step by step, as if time were nothing, while probably the distance might
prove to be a thousand miles before they reached, in the neighbourhood
of Khartoum, some town or village which might be the prisoner's
temporary home.

But there was no thought in any breast there of turning back. The start
had been made, and there was to be no looking northward again till the
task that had been set was achieved.

"Off at last, Frank," said the professor, who came up to where the young
man was riding alone; "we are going splendidly."

"Splendidly?"

"Yes. Everything is beautifully packed; the Sheikh's men are all
trained camel-drivers; and I never saw a finer set of animals since I
first came to Egypt."

"But hark at them," said Frank.

"What for? It is their nature to, my lad. Your camel is a creature
that seems to have been born with a grievance. I was talking about it
to Morris just now, and he actually tried to make a joke about them."

"The doctor did?" said Frank, smiling.

"Fact, my dear boy. He says it is on account of their having so many
stomachs."

"I always understood it