l of whom were armed.

But they need not have been uneasy; Yussuf knew the people with whom he
had to deal, and he went on belabouring the man till he threw himself
down and howled for mercy, while the crowd looked on as if interested by
the spectacle more than annoyed; and when at last, with a final stroke
across the shoulders, Yussuf threw the man off, the people only came a
little closer and stared.

"Now," said Yussuf haughtily, and he seemed to be some magnate from
Istamboul, instead of an ordinary guide, "get up and show the English
lords into a good room, help unpack the baggage, and make your people
prepare food."

The man rose hastily, screwing himself about and rubbing his shoulders,
for he was evidently in great pain; but he seemed to get rid of a
portion thereof directly by calling up three of his people, two of whom
he kicked savagely for not moving more quickly, and missing the third
because he did display activity enough to get out of his way.

Then obsequiously bowing to the professor and Mr Burne, he led the way
into the best house in the village, his men holding the horses, and
Yussuf stopping back to see that the baggage was taken in, and the
horses carefully stabled in a snug warm place, where plenty of barley
was soon forthcoming.

"Why, Yussuf's stick is a regular magician's wand," said Mr Burne, as
the master of the house showed them into his clean and comfortable best
room, where he bustled about, bringing them rugs and cushions, while,
from the noises to be heard elsewhere, it was evident that he was giving
orders, which resulted in his sending in a lad with a tray of coffee,
fairly hot and good, and wonderfully comforting to the cold and weary
travellers.

"Now," said Mr Burne, "what a chance for him to poison us and finish us
off."

"Have no fear of that. The man would not injure us in that way," said
the professor; "but I must confess to being rather uncomfortable, for I
am sure we are in a nest of hornets."

"Hark!" said Mr Burne, "I can hear a sizzling noise which means
cooking, so pray don't let's have any prophecies of evil till the supper
is over. Then, perhaps, I shall be able to bear them. What do you say,
Lawrence?"

"Supper first," said the latter laughing.

"Very well, then," said Mr Preston smiling; "we will wait till after a
good meal. Perhaps I shall feel more courageous then."

"What is he doing?" said Lawrence quietly, as their host kept walking in
and out, f