ing worn by a lower
type of man."

"Yes," replied the professor, "while here a white skin is the mark of
the beast. Fortunately, I am getting of a good, wholesome tan colour."

"You are as dark now as Ibrahim," said the doctor, looking at his
companion searchingly.

"Am I? Well, I suppose I am. So much the better. I want to be as free
to come and go as Frank here. I'd say that it is terribly weary work
being kept in as I am if it were not that the poor Hakim here is ten
times worse off."

"And bears it all without a murmur," said Frank, turning to his friend
with a look full of the gratitude he felt.

"I don't mind at all," said the doctor, smiling. "You two need not
fidget about me. I pity you."

"Why so?" said Frank wonderingly.

"Because I am so busy with my profession that the time goes quickly, and
I am always gaining fresh experience in surgery; while you two can do
nothing but fret and think."

"Don't speak, Frank," whispered the professor warningly; "someone
coming."

It was not the Emir or his son, nor anyone to summon the Hakim to his
patient's side, but the Sheikh returning from one of his rambles about
the place, and the professor turned to him eagerly, for the old man's
face suggested that he had something to tell.

"News, Excellencies; it is the common report that the Egyptian army is
coming up the river. I hear it on all sides."

Frank shrugged his shoulders and glanced at the professor, who spoke.

"We have heard that report so often," he said.

"Yes, Excellency, but there is a great deal of stir and preparation.
Two more Emirs have come into the city with their followers, and the
people are in despair with the treatment they receive."

The Hakim looked at him inquiringly.

"They are being turned out of their houses in every direction to make
room for the fighting men, and a word or look is enough to bring down a
blow from a spear shaft or a thrust. I have seen five wounded men and
women since I have been out."

"If ever our troops do get up here," said the professor, "the common
people will bless their coming."

"Yes, Excellency, for it will mean punishment for their oppressors, and
then peace. Everyone now who is not a fighting man and follower of the
new Mahdi is a slave at the mercy of the invader. Ah, it is horrible
what one has to see!"

"But have you no news for me, Ibrahim?" said Frank, looking at him
appealingly.

"None, Ben Eddin, though I have not ceased to