Caire_"--in common with
many Arabs he gave the city its French name--"and it _good_ grub too!"

Sir Richard slipped the packet into his pocket with a rather uncertain
smile, and turned to the matter of transit without loss of time.

Anstice's horse was the fresher of the two, and it was decided that Sir
Richard should start at once, and when at a safe distance dismount and
rest until moonrise, after which the night hours might profitably be
spent in journeying onwards, since night-riding in the desert is
infinitely preferable to riding by day.

"With luck you should make Cairo very early on the day after to-morrow,"
said Anstice, who had been making a calculation. "And if you could get
started again without loss of time you could be here in just under three
days. But that would mean hard riding, I'm afraid----"

"I'm pretty tough," said Sir Richard again. "And after all you'll have
the harder part. I suppose"--he turned to Hassan--"I suppose there is no
possibility of getting help nearer than Cairo--no village or settlement
to which I might apply?"

No, Hassan opined, it was of no use seeking help elsewhere. The one or
two native villages within call were quite inadequate to render
assistance, and to apply to them would be a loss of time which would
have no practical result.

When once Sir Richard was assured of the impossibility of procuring help
nearer than Cairo he wasted no further time in discussion, but mounted
his horse with a businesslike air and proceeded to take leave of Anstice
with a heartiness which but thinly disguised his real and gnawing
anxiety.

"I will make all possible speed," he said, as he settled himself
sturdily in his saddle. "And with luck three days should see me back. In
the meantime"--for a moment his voice faltered, but he pulled himself
together pluckily--"I leave my girl in your care. And I know"--Sir
Richard spoke very slowly--"I know you will guard her, if need be, with
your life...."

"Thank you for your trust, Sir Richard." In Anstice's hand-grip Sir
Richard read the measure of his resolve. "I will not fail you--nor your
daughter--so long as I am alive."

Sir Richard wrung his hand, tried to speak, and failed, utterly, to
articulate a syllable. But the look which the two men exchanged spoke
more eloquently than words, and Sir Richard, as he rode away on his
mission, knew that so far as mortal man might compass success his
daughter's safety was assured at this man's hands.