s hands were untied. "We are equals,
and Mussulmans. I claim your hospitality. Give me some food and
drink."

He then stepped forward to the well, and quenched his thirst, after
which some boiled camel meat was placed before him.

While he was appeasing an appetite that had been two days in gaining
strength, Fatima, who had observed a strange expression in his eyes,
appeared to be in great consternation. She had believed him doomed to a
life of slavery, if not to death; and this belief had influenced her in
her late actions.

Gliding up to the Arab sheik, she entreated to be separated from her
husband; but the only answer she received was, that Golah should have
either of the three wives he chose to take, that he (the sheik) and his
companions were men of honour, who would not break the promise they had
given.

A goat's-skin of water, some barley meal, for making sangleh, and a few
other necessary articles, were placed on a camel, which was delivered
over to Golah.

The black sheik then addressed a few words in some African language to
his son; and, calling Fatima to follow him, he started off across the
desert.

CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE.

FATIMA'S FATE.

A complete change had come over the fortunes of Fatima. Vain, cruel,
and tyrannical but the moment before, she was now humbled to the dust of
the desert. In place of commanding her fellow wives, she now approached
them with entreaties, begging them to take charge of her child, which
she seemed determined to leave behind her. Both willingly assented to
her wishes.

Our adventurers were puzzled by this circumstance; for there appeared to
be no reason that Fatima should leave her offspring behind her. Even
the Krooman could not explain it; and as the shades of night descended
over the desert, the mother separated from her child, perhaps never more
to embrace it in this world of wickedness and woe.

About two hours before daybreak, on the morning after the departure of
Golah, there was an alarm in the _douar_, which created amongst the
Arabs a wonderful excitement.

The man who had been keeping guard over the camp was not to be seen; and
one of the fleetest camels, as well as a swift desert horse, was also
gone.

The slaves were instantly mustered, when it was found that one of them
was likewise missing. It was Golah's son.

His absence accounted for the loss of the camel, and perhaps the horse,
but what had become of the Arab guard?

He certain