t were, remained close together; but, gradually diverging, the sharp
outlines of the Somalis began to fade into the twilight, and at last, as
Guy and Melton strained their tear-dimmed eyes into the distance, the
shadows obliterated the last traces of their captive friends. To Momba
Melton had been deeply attached, and their separation was a hard blow.

And now a terrible feeling of desolation came over them, and they were
half inclined to wish that they, too, had been led away to share the
fate of Sir Arthur and the colonel.

Though it was now fast growing dark, the Arabs evinced no intention of
stopping. With long, sweeping strides the unwearied camels swept over
the sandy plain, and their riders from time to time spurred them to
greater speed.

Melton was back in the rear, but Guy rode in front, with the Arab who
had assumed the leadership since the death of his companion.

Guy ventured to address him, and was surprised to find him grown
somewhat communicative. He explained to Guy in broken English that by
Makar's orders he and Melton were to be delivered up to Rao Khan instead
of being sent into slavery among the Somalis. Harar, he said, was a
day's journey away, and by traveling all night they would arrive at
sunrise. His account of Rao Khan, the Emir, was by no means reassuring,
but Guy did not allow this to trouble him much. Makar's last words were
still ringing in his ears, and he felt certain that their deliverance
from the Somalis was the first step toward the fulfillment of Makar's
promise.

The little caravan moved on in silence. The Arabs were probably uneasy.
They may have feared an attack from the Somalis or some other foe, for
they kept a close watch, and held their rifles in constant readiness.
But presently the moon came up in the east, casting a pale glamour over
the desert, and tracing on the sand in weird, fantastic designs the
shadows of the camels and their riders.

As the night wore on the Arabs relaxed their caution, and, dropping
their rifles to their sides, began to refresh themselves with crackers
brought along from Zaila, together with dates and figs, which they
washed down with water.

The Arab with whom Melton was mounted now rode up beside the leader,
and, to their great joy, Guy and Melton were permitted to converse.
Though they had had no rest or sleep since the previous night,
excitement had driven away all fatigue, and they looked forward with
deep interest to their arrival at