under his arched nose, gave him a wild, daring expression.
When the horseman had advanced fifty paces farther, the foremost line
of the Caravan was near, and putting spurs to his steed, in the
twinkling of an eye he was at the head of the procession. It was so
unusual a thing to see a solitary rider travelling through the desert,
that the guard, apprehending an attack, put their lances in rest.

"What mean you?" exclaimed the horseman, as he saw himself received in
so hostile a manner. "Do you imagine that a single man would attack
your Caravan?"

Ashamed of their precipitation, the guards lowered their lances, and
their leader rode forth to the stranger, and asked to know his
pleasure.

"Who is the lord of this Caravan?" inquired the cavalier.

"It belongs to no single lord," answered the interrogated one; "but
to several merchants, who march from Mecca to their native country,
and whom we escort through the desert; for oftentimes scoundrels of
every kind alarm those who travel here."

"Then lead me to the merchants," responded the stranger.

"That cannot be now," rejoined the other, "for we must proceed without
delay, and the merchants are at least a quarter of a mile behind; if,
however, you would like to ride along with me until we halt to take
our siesta, I will execute your desire."

The stranger said nothing further; he drew forth a long pipe which he
had attached to his saddle, and began to smoke with slow puffs, as he
rode along by the leader of the van. The latter knew not what to make
of the stranger, and ventured not to ask his name in so many words;
but when he artfully endeavored to weave up a conversation, the
cavalier, to his remarks, "You smoke there a good tobacco," or, "Your
horse has a brave gait," constantly replied with only a brief "Yes,
yes!" At last they arrived at the place where they were to halt for
the siesta: the chief sent his people forward to keep a look-out,
while he remained with the stranger to receive the Caravan. First,
thirty camels passed by, heavily laden, guided by armed drivers. After
these, on fine horses, came the five merchants to whom the Caravan
belonged. They were, for the most part, men of advanced age, of grave
and serious aspect; one, however, seemed much younger, as well as more
gay and lively than the rest. A large number of camels and pack-horses
closed the procession.

Tents were pitched, and the camels and horses fastened around. In the
midst was a larg