said
quickly:

"Do you think you are right, Yussuf? These ravines are so much alike.
Surely you must have made a mistake."

"If I am right," replied Yussuf, pointing forward, "there is a spring of
clear water gushing out at the foot of that steep rock."

"And there is none, I think," said the professor, "or it would be
running this way."

"If it did not run another, effendi," said Yussuf grimly. "Yes: I am
right. There is the opening of the little valley down which the stream
runs, and the ruined rock-dwellings are just beyond."

If there had been any doubt as to their guide's knowledge it would have
been set aside by the horses, for Mr Burne suddenly uttered a warning
shout, and, looking back, they saw the two baggage animals coming along
at a sharp pace, which was immediately participated in by the rest of
the horses, all trotting forward as fast as the nature of the ground
would allow to get to a patch of green that showed at the foot of a
great rock; and upon reaching it, there, as Yussuf had said, was a
copious stream, which came spouting out from a crevice in the rock,
clear, cool, and delicious, for the refreshment of all.

The horses and baggage were left here in charge of the driver, and,
following Yussuf, the little party were soon after at the foot of a very
rugged precipice, the guide pointing upwards, and exclaiming:

"Behold, effendi, it is as I said."

For a few moments they all gazed upwards, seeing nothing but what
appeared to be the rugged face of the cliff; but soon the eye began to
make out a kind of order here and there, and that rugged ranges of
stones had been built up on shelves of the rock, with windows and doors,
but as far as could be made out these rock-dwellings had been roofless;
and were more like fortifications than anything else, the professor
said.

"Yes, effendi," said Yussuf gravely, "strongholds, but dwelling-places
as well. People had to live in spots where they would be safe in those
days. Are you going to climb up?"

"Certainly," was the reply.

"That is well, for up beyond there is a way to an old temple, and a
number of caves where people must have been living."

"But where is the road up?" said Lawrence.

"Along that rough ledge," replied Yussuf. "I will go first. Would it
not be better if the young effendi stayed below? The height is great,
the road dangerous; and not only is it hot, but there are many serpents
up among the ledges of the rock."

"Wha