t we have passed them on
our way without having seen them," said George optimistically.

"Yes, that may be so," replied his companion doubtfully. "Allah only
knows what we shall do if Alexandria is occupied by them. There is
but one course open to you as far as I can see. When we get into the
Mahmoudieh Canal, you will have to hide amongst the grain; and if
you ever reach Alexandria in safety, take my advice and get out of
the country at once."

Helmar did not reply, he was thinking hard. He had just arrived in
the country in the hopes of making a fortune. So far he had only met
with trouble--trouble that first threatened to wipe him out of
existence, and now tried to force him to return home.

The first he had escaped by what seemed to him a miracle, and the
second, which he was just about to face, offered no alternative of
escape than by the same means. The idea of flying before this danger
was absolutely repugnant to him. If he were to die, why not meet
his death boldly, instead of escaping by running away? It was absurd
and cowardly to return home at the first sign of danger! How they
would laugh at him! What would his father think? What would all
say?--no, he had come to this country of his own choice, and
whatever the consequences, he would stay. His good fortune had so
far pulled him through--he would still trust to it.

"Well," he said at last, "I shall be guided by circumstances. We
shall see how things turn out, but it seems rough on you to take
this venture on my behalf."

There was a nice light breeze after sundown, and the vessel was
slipping along at, for her, a very good speed. Naoum sat smoking and
gazing at the banks as they passed by; George gave himself up to
reflections.

The man at the tiller moved to and fro with the regularity of
clockwork, altering the tack as the wind chopped and changed about.
The rest of the crew were squatting about the deck in various
attitudes of perfect laziness. The splash of the water at the bow of
the boat had insidiously attracted George's attention, and he found
himself humming a tune to the time of the lapping stream.

Suddenly Naoum turned with an exclamation. George looked at his
companion, his tune gone from his mind, and all thoughts absorbed
into a keen excitement. They were rounding a sharp bend, and
Naoum's attention was fixed on the outer bank.

"What is it?" asked George, in tones of suppressed excitement.

Naoum turned sharply to him and waved h