evidently within the city, though as they waited the
sounds grew more distant. But the dull trampling of unshod horses told
of the passing of mounted men, and Ibrahim went out to join the guard at
the gate, for he was in an intense state of excitement for fear there
should be any demand made upon his camels, which were peaceably munching
in the enclosure at the end of the house.

Then came a couple of hours excited waiting for that which did not
happen. For at every rush of horsemen along the road outside, the
prisoners felt that the expected attack had come, and again and again
the Sheikh came in to reassure them by announcing that it was only a
party of the Emir's own men, for the chief had driven his enemies out of
the city to the plain where the engagement was going on, but had left a
strong troop of mounted men to ride to and fro to guard his house in
support of the little party who had charge of the guests.

"The men think it will not be much, Excellencies, for another Emir is
fighting for their chief, and they are too strong. It is like a rising
against those chosen by the Khalifa, but I cannot tell much as yet."

But distant as the scene of the conflict was, the firing reached their
ears till it was turning dusk, when it suddenly ceased, as if either one
side was conquered or a mutually agreed cessation of hostilities had
taken place.

The first definite news of the state of affairs reached the Emir's
palace just when a considerable lapse of time had occurred without news,
the last being of a kind to create anxiety, the Sheikh coming in from
the gate to announce that a messenger had arrived at a gallop to summon
the troop of horse, who had gone off leaving their guard looking
careworn and anxious, while he forbore to speak.

And now the messenger who had suddenly galloped up to the entry, dashed
in at once, flung his bridle to the Sheikh as he leapt down, and strode
in to where the friends were anxiously waiting. All started and glanced
at the open window, where a glimpse could be obtained of Ibrahim, to
whom and his camels every thought was turned, as, without
intercommunication, the same thought prevailed--flight, and would there
be time to obtain their camels and make for the open desert before the
victorious enemy arrived?

For the messenger, who came looking wild and excited, his flowing white
garment covered with blood and dust, was the Hakim's last patient--the
Emir's son.

CHAPTER TWENTY