in the shape of a massive door which
could hardly be forced without a charge of dynamite. It was the
stronghold, so I gather, of a kind of robber chief in the old days, and
doubtless was built to resist possible assaults from lawless tribesmen.
But there is one weak spot in the building--one or rather two places
which are a decided menace to any defence."

"And those----"

"Well, it seems this French artist, Massenet by name, sought and
obtained permission from the authorities who leased him the building to
throw out a couple of windows in the upper floor which enabled him to
convert the place into a very passable studio. He was a rich man--son of
a well-known Paris banker, and the cost did not intimidate him. But the
result is that those two big windows, which only boast the flimsiest of
sand-shutters, are, without a doubt, capable of being made into means of
entry, provided, of course, that the defenders within are short of
ammunition or are unable to construct efficient barricades."

"I see. I suppose they are a fair height from the ground?"

"Yes--but there are such things as ladders," said Sir Richard dryly. "Of
course a mere handful of men, given a sufficiency of ammunition, might
keep an attacking party at bay almost indefinitely. But I'm afraid our
supply of munitions is somewhat scanty, and with women--and children--to
defend----" He broke off suddenly as the native began to speak.

"You go a-back, bring help, bring many gentlemens. Me and the Effendi
take care of ladees ... but you go quick--bring the soldiermans...." He
stopped, as though at the end of his suggestions.

"Yes." Sir Richard's face lighted up. "I see what he means. Anstice, you
or I must make all speed back to Cairo and fetch out some soldiers. The
barracks swarm with them, and if I know them they'll jump at the chance
of a little scrap like this. With luck you'd be back in three
days--less, if you pushed your horses--and by God I believe we could
hold the Fort till then!"

As he finished the native nodded his head as though in approval of the
plan; but suddenly his expressive features lengthened, and he said
something in a lower tone to Sir Richard in which the words "_El Hakim_"
occurred more than once.

Sir Richard listened restively, and uttered an exclamation of annoyance.

"Well, well, there's no need to repeat it so often! Anstice, this fellow
points out that after all I had better be the one to go for help, as he
says your aid