ellows, and turn towards the Sheikh, making signs.

"What does that mean?" said the doctor, springing up. "Is something
wrong?"

The others followed the doctor's act the next moment, for some
communication, evidently of great importance, was made to the Sheikh by
his follower, with the result that the old man came quickly to where
they stood, while all the men went quietly to their camels.

"What is it, Ibrahim?" cried the professor.

"A strong party of the Baggara are coming to the fountain, Excellency.
The Hakim must take his seat at the door of the tent. Put away those
guns and be in attendance upon him, as we have arranged. Ben Eddin, be
waiting upon the Hakim with his pipe. Be calm, everyone, and show no
appearance of trouble at their coming. You must leave all to me."

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

A BAD WOUND.

Those were startling minutes, and though the incident was nothing more
than had been anticipated as one of possibly many, it had taken them by
surprise, being long before it was expected.

It was hard work too, for everyone was startled; but the advancing enemy
were hidden somewhere beyond the piled-up rocks, and with what, under
the circumstances, was marvellous rapidity, the Hakim, berobed and
turbaned, seated himself in Eastern fashion upon one of the rugs laid
for him at the tent door, while Frank brought him his long pipe, filled
it, and was ready with a light. Then the professor and Sam began to put
together the breakfast things, Ibrahim stood respectfully by as if
awaiting the wise man's orders, and the Sheikh's followers stood about,
feeding and watering the camels.

It was a picturesque group, but ready none too soon, for hardly were
they prepared before the head of a mounted party of fierce-looking armed
men rode into sight, and pulled up short in surprise, while their
numbers were quadrupled before an effort was made to advance.

Then, with fully a hundred in sight, a shout was uttered and with a rush
they galloped up, spear and sword in hand, to form a semicircle about
the halting party, shutting them in from all chance of escape, and then
seemed about to charge home, but they were checked by another shout and
reins were drawn, the fiery horses they rode champing their cruel bits
and tossing the foam in all directions.

It was a critical minute, and the slightest display of resistance would
have meant indiscriminate slaughter, its hopelessness being shown by the
rapid increase of the