imed George, hurriedly. "Why,
it's a fire, and look--look at those shattered houses, and--hallo,
there's a gang of murderous-looking soldiers--we are too late!"

Naoum did not answer. He was watching all the things his companion
had drawn his attention to. There was no doubt in his mind now--the
place was evidently in the rebels' hands, the process of sacking was
going on. He turned to George.

"Well?" he said inquiringly. "You daren't go ashore."

"What, then, am I to do? I can't trespass on your good-nature any
longer, and, besides, my presence here is a constant source of
danger to you. No, I _must_ chance it. I can't stay here."

He spoke with determination, and Naoum was not slow to appreciate
the sentiments that prompted him; yet he would not see him
deliberately plunge into the deadly danger that awaited him ashore.

"As I said, you can't land, friend Helmar. Allah has guided your
steps to me, and you will have to throw in your lot on this boat
until we can find a safe means for your escape. Come, you are a
good man, say, will you stay? Sooner or later things will calm down
and then----"

"No, no, Naoum, you have done so much for me already, I cannot let
you risk more. My mind is made up, I will forge my own way ahead
now."

"There is no need to talk of risk, or of what I have done," he
replied, with a kind look into the resolute face beside him; "I ask
for no greater pleasure than that you stay here."

Helmar only shook his head. It seemed to him that his duty lay
plainly before him--he must no longer jeopardize this man's safety.
He was well and strong again now, and must fight his own battles.
Inclination made him wish to remain, but he must go.

Seeing his charge's mind was made up, Naoum, with the philosophy of
the East, attempted no further persuasion, and resigned himself to
the inevitable.

"When, then, will you leave?" he asked.

"As soon as you will help me to land," George answered at once. "Do
not think me ungrateful, Naoum--I am only doing my duty."

"The boat shall be brought along the shore when you like," he
replied, turning away, "but I should advise you to await darkness;
remember your face is still white."

Accepting his friend's advice, Helmar decided to wait until the sun
had gone down and then seek shelter in some small drinking saloon
where doubtless he might meet other refugees. He had still the money
on him which he had in his pocket at the time he was wounded, and
this