le
present and place it upon his favourite steed it might bring his
grateful friend sometimes before his eyes.

There was a piece of pantomime here. The Baggara chief looked puzzled,
and when Ibrahim paused he looked up. Then he looked down, and had to
ask the old Sheikh what he meant, being quite unable to notice what
everyone else in the courtyard could see plainly, till it was almost
touched.

Then, and then only, did he cast aside all his formal Arabic, Eastern
stateliness and assume a rapturous expression, seizing one of the reins,
examining it closely, raising the scarlet-dyed, drooping plume, touching
the bit and broad band with its silver ornamentation, and uttering
exclamations of delight the more impressive from their being to a great
extent real, for the gift was a worthy one and such as any lover of a
horse would appreciate.

Then followed a warm burst of thanks, and a request that the Hakim's
friend would descend and enter the house for refreshment.

The critical time was approaching, and Ibrahim, in answer to a grave nod
of acquiescence from Frank, turned to the chief to say that nothing
could please his master more, but he had a request to make. He, too,
loved horses; he nearly worshipped the steed he rode.

The Emir smiled and nodded as if to say no wonder, as he patted and
stroked the glossy satin skin of the beautiful little creature. Then he
listened attentively for the explanation of the petition that he was to
grant.

Ibrahim enlightened him at once.

It would give the Hakim's friend as great joy as he had felt when by his
help the Hakim had brought light back to the glazing eyes of one of the
wounded Baggara chiefs, for his great desire was to see the bit and
bridle upon the head and neck of one of his great friend's noble
chargers, so that he might note whether it suited the horse and looked
as well as he wished.

The Baggara chief smiled pleasantly, and felt highly satisfied that he
was not to give something more valuable in exchange. Then clapping his
hands, a follower rode up and was despatched to the side building with a
message; while Frank's heart beat in a way which seemed to threaten
suffocation.

It was hard work, but he sat unmoved, the chief talking, and the
recipient of his words congratulating himself that he was not called
upon to speak.

Finding that he was not understood, the Emir turned to Ibrahim to bid
him say that the Hakim's friend should have the finest bar