the quiet British blood in Frank's
veins. The feeling of hatred that had been growing against these people
consequent upon the horrors he had seen and heard, and the irritation
produced by inactivity and his disappointments, drove away all thought
of the risk he might run, and the feeling grew strong that if attacked
he must defend himself.

A whirl of such thoughts rushed through the young man's brain, and at
his companion's question and sign his eyes flashed, he nodded assent,
and sharply grasped his own sword.

The young Emir laughed again, and laid his dark hand firmly upon his
companion's arm, disdaining to look back to see if they were followed,
but riding forward at a walk towards where the narrow street opened into
a wider part, upon reaching which they saw upon their left a party of
ten or a dozen more of the dark horsemen riding slowly along as if in
search of plunder, for several had various objects thrown across their
saddlebows, which looked like spoil, and their wandering looks at once
turned to the approaching pair.

It struck Frank as strange in those exciting moments that the allies of
the new Mahdi, the followers of friendly emirs, should be parading the
streets as if they were new conquerors of the city, looking upon all
whom they encountered as enemies; but so it was, and he began now to
wonder what his companion would do, then why it was that he did not feel
alarmed, for the time for prompt action had come.

Neither of the young men saw what took place behind them, but a sign was
made by one of the two dervishes in the rear, which was answered by the
party in front opening out a little as if to check the advance of Frank
and his companion.

That was sufficient for the latter, who turned to give Frank a rapid
glance, as he drew his sword.

The example was contagious, and for the first time in anger the young
Englishman snatched his blade from its sheath, hardly knowing in his
excitement what he was doing, everything being comprehended in the one
great thought that his life was in peril, and that he must be ready to
strike.

The rest followed as a matter of course, for his steed, trained and
thoroughly accustomed to such encounters, bounded off at the same moment
as its fellow, stride for stride, and with the hot wind surging in his
ears Frank found himself borne swiftly straight at the party who barred
their way.

It was all a matter of a few seconds. He heard a fierce war-cry, saw
one