eaching it, the old sheik and one of his companions had
dismounted and walked forward to examine such tracks as might be found
about the place. They were chagrined to find that Golah had been
before. He had been to the well, and obtained a supply of water. His
footmarks were easily identified. They were fresh, having been made but
an hour or two before the arrival of the caravan; and in place of their
having to wait for Golah, he was undoubtedly waiting for them. They
felt sure that the black sheik was not far off, watching for a
favourable opportunity of again paying them a nocturnal visit. They
could now understand why he had not attempted to molest them on the
preceding night. He had been hastening forward, in order to reach the
well in advance of them.

The apprehensions of the Arabs became keener and keener after this
discovery. They were also much puzzled as to what they should do; and a
diversity of opinion arose as to the best plan for guarding the camp
against their implacable foe. Some were in favour of staying by the
well for several days, until the supply of water which their enemy had
taken with him should be exhausted. Golah would then have to revisit
the well, or perish of thirst upon the desert. The idea was an
ingenious one, but unfortunately their stock of provisions would not
admit of any delay, and it was resolved that the journey should be
resumed at once.

Just as they were preparing to move away from the well, a caravan of
traders arrived from the south, and the old sheik made anxious inquiries
as to whether the new comers had seen anyone on their route. The
traders, to whom the caravan belonged, had that morning met three men
who answered to the description of Golah and his companions. They were
journeying south, and had purchased a small supply of food from the
caravan.

Could it be that Golah had given up the hope of recovering his lost
property, relinquished his deadly purpose of revenge? The Arabs
professed much unwillingness to believe it. Some of them loudly
proposed starting southward in pursuit. But this proposition was
overruled, and it was evident that the old sheik, as well as most of his
followers, were in reality pleased to think that Golah would trouble
them no more.

The sheik decreed that the property of those who had perished should be
divided amongst those who survived. This giving universal satisfaction,
the Arab kafila took its departure, leaving the cara