ho commanded it inquired of Golah
from whence he came.

"From the west," answered Golah, giving them to understand that he was
travelling the same way as themselves.

"Then why did you not keep on to the well?" was the next inquiry.

"It is too far away," answered Golah. "We are very weary."

"It is not far," said the chief, "not more than half a league. You had
better go on."

"No. I think it is more than two leagues, and we shall wait till
morning."

"We shall not. I know the well is not far away; and we shall reach it
to-night."

"Very well," said Golah; "go, and may God be with you. But stay,
masters, have you a camel to sell?"

"Yes, a good one. It is a little fatigued now, but will be strong in
the morning."

Golah was aware that any camel they would sell him that night would be
one that could only move with much difficulty, one that they despaired
of getting any farther on the way. The black sheik knew his own
business best; and was willing they should think they had cheated him in
the bargain.

After wrangling for a few minutes, he succeeded in buying their camel,
the price being a pair of blankets, a shirt, and the dirk that had been
taken from Terence. The camel had no cargo; and had for some time been
forced onward at considerable trouble to its owner.

The strangers soon took their departure, going off in the direction of
the dry well. As soon as they were out of sight Golah gave orders to
reload the animals, and resume the interrupted march. To excite the
slaves to a continuance of the journey, he promised that the camel he
had purchased should be slaughtered on the next morning for their
breakfast; and that they should have a long rest in the shade of the
tents during the following day.

This promise, undoubtedly, had the anticipated effect in revivifying
their failing energies, and they managed to move on until near daybreak,
when the camel lately purchased laid itself down, and philosophically
resisted every attempt at compelling it to continue the journey.

It was worn-out with toil and hunger, and could not recover its feet.

The other animals were stopped and unladen, the tents were pitched, and
preparations made for resting throughout the day.

After some dry weeds had been collected for fuel, Golah proceeded to
fulfil his promise of giving them plenty of food.

A noose was made at the end of a rope, and placed around the camel's
lower jaw. Its head was then screwed ab