ble to account for the delay than we were. At
length our anxious ears caught the sound of a light footstep, and Jack
poked his head in at the door.

"All right," he whispered. "The boats are ready to pull in when I
signalise them. While you, gentlemen, go and get the young lady, I'll
be off and call the major."

Eagerly Mr Vernon and I hurried out, carrying the ladder between us.
It was a wonder some of the numerous dogs, found in every Moorish
village, did not give tongue at us. We reached the part of the wall
nearest the harem. Mr Vernon soon clambered up it, and, hoisting up
the ladder, secured one end on the garden side, by pegs in the ground,
which we had before prepared; while I held down the outer side. I heard
him give a low whistle, as he had arranged. While I was anxiously
waiting his return, I felt a hand placed on my shoulder. I started with
horror, and almost let go the ladder, for I thought it was a Moor come
to capture me, and that our enterprise had failed; but, looking up, I
saw Jack's honest face, and Major Norman behind him.

"I think, sir," said Jack, "if you were to go over the wall, and help
the lady up, it would make quicker work, and it won't take you long to
follow."

His advice seemed so good that I did as he recommended. Fortunately I
did so, for I do not think otherwise the ladder would have kept in its
place. I found Mr Vernon waiting at the door of the harem, in despair
almost at the non-appearance of Miss Norman. At length the bars within
were gently removed, and, the door opening, she stepped forth into the
garden. There was no time for greeting. Closing the door, Mr Vernon
took her hand, and hurried on to the ladder. Climbing up, he had lifted
her over the wall, and placed her in safety in her father's arms, and I
was following, when a door in another part of the building flew open,
and a bright light streaming forth, I saw the old chief and a number of
his attendants, with arms in their hands, rush out into the garden. I
was over the wall in an instant, pulling the ladder after me, and not
waiting to see which way they came.

"Fly, sir, fly!" I exclaimed. "The old tiger is after us."

No second warning was necessary, and Mr Vernon and her father, lifting
Miss Norman between them, hurried along the road towards the beach, Jack
and I bringing up the rear, to keep our pursuers at bay. Lights now
appeared in different parts of the village, and just as we turned a
co