penn, where they found some food awaiting them.
They were commanded to eat it immediately, as they were soon to set
forth upon a long journey.

Not one of them, after their cruel disappointment, had any appetite; and
Sailor Bill doggedly declared that he would never taste food again.

"Don't despair, Bill," said Harry; "there is yet hope for us."

"Where, where is it?" exclaimed Colin; "I cannot perceive it."

"If we are constantly changing owners," argued Harry, "we may yet fall
into the hands of some one who will take us to Mogador."

"Is that your only hope?" asked Colin in a tone of disappointment.

"Think of poor Jim," added Bill; "he's 'ad fifty masters, been ten years
in slavery, and not free yet; and no 'ope av it neyther."

"Shall we go quietly with our new master?" asked Colin.

"Yes," answered Harry; "I have had quite enough of resistance, and the
beating that is sure to follow it. My back is raw at this moment. The
next time I make any resistance, it shall be when there is a chance of
gaining something by it, instead of a sound thrashing."

Rais Mourad being unprovided with animals for his slaves to ride upon,
and wishing to travel at a greater speed than they could walk, purchased
four small horses from the sheik of the place. It was during the time
these horses were being caught and made ready for the road, that our
adventurers were allowed to eat their dinner.

Although Harry, as well as the others, had determined on making no
opposition to going along with Rais Mourad, they were very anxious to
learn where he intended to take them.

All the inquiries made by the Krooman, for the purpose of gratifying
this curiosity, only produced the answer, "God knows, and will not tell
you. Why should we do more than He?"

Just as the horses were brought out, and all were nearly ready for a
start, there occurred a commotion at the gate of the town; and next
moment Bo Muzem, accompanied by the grazier, rode in through the
gateway.

CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT.

BO MUZEM BACK AGAIN.

As soon as the white slaves recognised the messenger to Mogador, they
all rushed forward to meet him.

"Speak, Krooman!" exclaimed Harry. "Ask him if the money for our ransom
will be paid? If so, we are free, and they dare not sell us again."

"Here--here!" exclaimed Bill, pointing to the man who came along with Bo
Muzem. "Axe this man where be brother Jim an' Master Terence?"

Harry and Colin turned towards the man