Emir, by now, if I would have taken some of
the troops in hand. I had offers enough, and of course it meant
becoming a follower of Mahomet."

"But you resisted the temptations," said Frank proudly.

"And became a groom," said Harry, smiling bitterly. "I suppose if it
had not been for my love for horses and camels I should have lost my
head like my poor leader. Oh, if it is only true, and the British
forces are close up! Surely the day of retribution has come at last."

"I want the day of escape for us to have come, Hal," said the doctor,
reaching over to lay his hand upon his old school-fellow's arm. "Our
work is done when we have got you away. Let's leave the punishment of
the dervishes to--Ah, here's Landon back. Well, have they any news for
us?"

"None of Ibrahim, and the men want to know what they are to do."

"Nothing," said the doctor sadly. "We are prisoners, and resistance to
the Emir's guard would be madness."

"So I have told them, but they don't want to go in search of him."

"What, then?" said Frank impatiently. "You mean something else?"

"Yes," said the professor sadly; "we are to shift our quarters. Our
guard has given them orders to load up their camels with fodder,
provisions, and water, in case we have to take to the desert, and to
fill the water-skins so as to have an ample supply. They are to be
ready to start at a moment's notice, and asked me if they are to obey."

"And you told them yes, of course?" said Frank eagerly.

"I told them yes, of course," said the professor sadly; "but I don't
like going. It is leaving poor old Ibrahim in the lurch."

"But I suppose we have no option?" said the doctor.

"None unless we make up our minds to resist."

"And that would be throwing away our lives," said Harry gloomily. "This
chief of the guard has his orders, and he is evidently a man who will
serve his master faithfully and well. I suppose he will be taking the
Emir's household with us?"

"Yes; the other part of the palace is in a busy state of preparation,
and the court next to the garden here is full of horses and camels."

"It is our opportunity," said Frank, "and if we start before daylight we
may be able to separate from the rest of the party. What are we going
to take with us?"

"I should go away as we came. The Hakim's cures have helped us well,
and they may do so again, for who knows how far we may have to travel
through the desert, or what tribes we may encounter?