hers, Jim was
about to answer the sheik's question in the affirmative; but there was
something in the tone in which the question had been put that determined
him to refrain for a little longer.

The earthly happiness of six men might depend upon the next word he
should utter, and that word he would not speak without some
deliberation.

With an intellect sharpened by torture, Jim turned his gaze from the old
sheik upon several other Arabs that had come near.

He could see that they had arrived at some decision amongst themselves,
as to what they should do, and that they did not seem much interested in
the ultimatum demanded by the sheik's inquiry.

This lack of excitement or interest did not look like further starvation
and death; and in place of telling the Arabs that they were willing to
submit, Jim informed the old sheik that all were determined to die
rather than remain slaves.

"There is not one of us that wishes to live," he added, "except for the
purpose of seeing our native land again. Our bodies are now weak, but
our spirits are still strong. We will die!"

On receiving this answer, the Arabs departed, leaving the Christians in
the penn.

The Krooman, who had been listening during the interview, then faintly
called after them to return; but he was stopped by Jim, who still
entertained the hope that his firmness would yet be rewarded.

Half an hour passed, and Jim began to doubt again. He might not have
correctly interpreted the expressions he had noted upon the faces of the
Arabs.

"What did you tell them?" muttered Terence. "Did you tell them that we
were willing to work, if they would give us water?"

"Yes, certainly!" answered Jim, now beginning to regret that he had not
tendered their submission before it might be too late.

"Then why do they not come and relieve us?" asked Terence in a whisper,
hoarse from despair.

Jim vouchsafed no answer, and the Krooman seemed in too much mental and
bodily anguish to heed what had been said.

Shortly after, Jim could hear the flocks being driven out of the town,
and looking through a small opening in the wall of the penn, he could
see some of the Arabs going out towards the barley-fields.

Could it be that he had been mistaken; that the Arabs were going to
apply the screw of starvation for another day? Alarmed by this
conjecture, he strove to hail them, and bring them back, but the effort
only resulted in a hoarse whisper.

"May God forgive me!"