mined to have a ride round the city and its suburbs to
judge for himself how matters stood, and gave orders through the Sheikh
for his horse to be brought round; but upon their guardian being
summoned they were met by a point-blank, though respectful, refusal.

"I am answerable with my head for the safety of the Hakim and his
people," said the guard; "and for the Hakim's friend, Ben Eddin, to ride
out now means an attack by some one or other of the wandering bands. I
and my men will defend him to the last, but what are we against so many?
I have been left with the twenty men to defend the Emir's house and
those he has left behind, and if the Hakim's friend rides out I and half
my men must go with him; then what are ten to protect all that is here
from danger?"

Frank angrily bade Ibrahim to tell the man he exaggerated matters, and
that he was sure that both the Emir and his son desired that their
friend should be free to go about the city.

The officer bowed respectfully, but he was immovable.

The Hakim and his people must stay within, he said. If the Emir or the
young Emir were angry when they returned he must bear it, but they could
not blame him much, for he had done his duty, and that he felt he would
neglect if he let the Hakim's young friend go into danger.

Frank, feeling how much there was at stake, became more importunate, and
then the officer turned to Ibrahim, after listening to the Sheikh's
interpretation of Frank's signs, most of which took the form of angry
pointings towards the camels.

"Speak for yourself," said the officer, "and make the Hakim's friend
know the truth. Tell him whether you think it is safe for him to go out
of this place, and whether it is just for him to order me to neglect my
charge by leaving the house unguarded."

"The man is right, Excellencies," said Ibrahim at once. "It would be
like riding out to tempt death for us all."

There was nothing for it but to resign themselves to circumstances, and
the expedition was given up, the party being now the closest of
prisoners; but as if to make up for it their guards were more respectful
than ever, and their head was indefatigable in his endeavours to
forestall all their wants.

As Frank said when they were alone, it seemed as if they were neglecting
their opportunities by not making their attempt while the Emirs were
absent, for at any moment they might return and Harry's owner be sending
a party of his men to fetch the inju