the water, while a hail of bullets struck the water
around them.

They were not a moment too soon, and even then the chances were
largely against them.

"Down with you," cried Naoum, addressing Helmar, "or they'll hit
you! I'll pull the boat!"

"Not I," replied George, scornfully. "Do you think I'm going to
take shelter while you are exposed to their fire? No, no, pull away,
and I'll look after the tiller."

The distance that separated them from the shore was rapidly
widening, and the danger lessened.

"I don't think, so long as they aim at us, that they can do much
damage," said Naoum, smiling calmly. "Egyptians are not noted for
their accurate marksmanship."

Helmar laughed a boyish, ringing laugh, as he listened to his
companion's words. The spirit of adventure was upon him, and he was
in a seventh heaven of delight as the whizzing bullets sped
harmlessly by.

When in mid-stream, the current rapidly took them down to the silent
vessel, and a few moments later they reached it and climbed aboard,
while the baffled rebels slunk off into the shadow of the quay. The
boat was quickly hauled up, moorings cast off, and the dahabieh
began to glide down the sluggish river.

CHAPTER VIII

AN ENCOUNTER ON THE NILE

"Thus far we have escaped," said Naoum, as the two men stood on the
rough untidy dahabieh, gazing at the slowly receding town. "They
will probably not attempt to follow us, but I don't, for one moment,
think our troubles are over. We must keep a sharp look-out along the
banks for the rebels."

"You think then we shall come across them again?" asked George,
glancing keenly at the speaker.

"I don't only think--I feel sure. Alexandria will be in a worse
state than Cairo, and it is certain the river will be watched
carefully. We must anchor in the day-time and travel at night, that
is our only hope."

The man's quiet words in no way deceived Helmar, he realized that
there was great danger ahead, and it would require all their
fortitude and resource to cope with it. This knowledge, rather than
damping his spirits, tended to raise them, and he looked forward
with keen anticipation to what the future might have in store for
him.

The old dahabieh was a dreary old craft, in a dirty and ruinous
condition. It was carrying a heavy load of grain, and this made the
journey so slow that, by sunrise, they were still within a distant
view of Cairo.

D