emed to him, he found
himself at the entrance to the chiefs enclosure and home, with the court
dotted with horse and foot, camels tethered here and there, some
standing dreamily munching, others crouched down with their long necks
outstretched upon the sand, and their leaders and riders idling about,
talking, playing games, or smoking, waiting till their masters needed
them for some mission, perhaps to raid and plunder, or to join other
bands upon some great movement instigated by Mahdi or Khalifa, whose
steps would be marked in blood.

There was no hesitation. Frank rode boldly in, unquestioned, and not
one of the many men scattered about ran to horse or camel, or grasped
his weapons. It did not seem strange to them that the Hakim's follower
should ride in to see their chief, followed by a camel and seven of a
friendly Emir's bodyguard. What took their attention at once--they
being men whose lives had been spent in company with the swift horses of
the desert--were the bright, gaily ornamented trappings spread on the
neck of Ibrahim's fine camel, and a low murmur of satisfaction arose as
they gazed at what was evidently a present for their lord.

Frank rode slowly across the wide, open court, with his eyes wandering
wildly in search of his brother; but he was not visible, and he let them
rest for a few moments upon the long, low, shed-like building into which
he had seen him go at a former visit, that evidently being the place
where the chiefs horses were stabled when he was in the city, the open
heavens being their roof when halting among the wind-swept sands.

Frank drew rein close to the entrance, his guard halted a dozen yards in
the rear, and Ibrahim, after urging his tall camel close behind, made
the beast kneel down, and then dismounted, leaving the scarlet trappings
full in view upon the animal's back, before going forward to his
master's side, fully conscious that every movement was closely watched,
and standing respectfully attent while the Hakim's black follower made a
few quick signs.

Ibrahim bowed low, and went up to the house, where a knot of armed men
received him and listened to the message he delivered, one going in at
once, and the old Sheikh waiting ceremoniously till his messenger came
back and spoke. Then the old man returned as he came, to whisper to
Frank, who nodded shortly and then sat motionless and stern, gazing
straight at the door as if deep in thought and ignoring everything
around