who in a contemptuous
way snatched the sling from his left arm, and as if to display his scorn
of wounds to his followers he lightly threw back the loose cotton sleeve
of his robe to his shoulder, and held out the roughly bandaged arm
before the seated surgeon, saying scoffingly in his own tongue--

"There, if you are a learned Hakim, cure that."

There was utter silence now, and necks were craning forward and flashing
eyes eagerly gazing all around, but to Frank's horror, Morris did not
pay the slightest heed, merely raised the amber mouth-piece of his pipe
to his lips and inhaled more smoke, his eyes still half-closed, while he
looked as if he were about to sink into a trance.

The words were on Frank's lips to say quickly, "Pray, pray rouse
yourself, or we are lost!" but he had presence of mind enough left to
press his teeth firmly together and gaze fixedly at the Baggara, whose
dark eyes flashed angrily as he stamped one foot and advanced a little
more, to repeat his words. Still Morris did not stir, and it was only
by the most determined effort that Frank kept himself from turning
sharply to dart a look of horror at Landon and Sam.

But it was the thought of his brother that gave him the strength, and
the next moment he breathed a sigh of relief, for the Sheikh stepped
close up to the doctor, raising a hand warningly to the Baggara.

"The learned Hakim," he said, "is deep in thought upon the wisdom with
which he heals;" and then, bending towards the doctor's ear, he said in
a low, distinct voice, in English--

"A great chief is here, O learned one. He is wounded and in pain, and
asks your aid."

As Ibrahim spoke the doctor slowly raised his eyelids and gazed at the
speaker, turning to him the while as if ignorant of the presence of the
chief and the crowd around.

Then bending his head slowly as if in assent, he turned to gaze full in
the Baggara's scornful eyes, his face lighting up with keen
intelligence, and continuing his fixed look till the chief made an angry
gesture and for a moment lowered his eyes.

It was only for a moment, though, and then he looked fixedly at the
doctor again, the scornful smile upon his lip growing more marked as he
keenly watched all that was done.

"Splendid bit of acting," said the professor to himself, as he stood
with folded arms a little behind his friend's left hand, and he too drew
a breath of relief as with calm dignity Morris handed his pipe to Frank,
whose blac