d to the village, and upon the head-man
learning that the travellers had been left up there he had organised a
party to come in search.

There was no mistaking the cordiality of the head-man or his joy at
having found them, and after helping to repack the horses he led the way
back confidently enough, and in the walk explained that the mischief
done was very slight. No gaps had opened, as far as he knew, but at all
events the road from the old ruins to the village was safe.

"Your cudgel seems to have been a regular genii's wand, Yussuf," said
Mr Burne softly. "You would not find it have so good an effect upon
Englishmen."

"It and your payments, effendi, have taught the man that we are people
of importance, and not to be trifled with," replied Yussuf smiling; and
Mr Burne nodded and took snuff.

In an hour they were safely back at the head-man's house, where hot
coffee and then a good meal prepared all for their night's rest amidst
the warm rugs which were spread for them; and feeling that no watch was
necessary here, all were soon in a deep sleep, Lawrence being too tired
even to think of the danger to which they had been exposed.

Directly after breakfast next morning the head-man came to them with a
very serious look upon his countenance.

The people of the village were angry, he said to Yussuf, and were
uttering threats against the strangers, for it was due to them that the
earthquake had taken place. Every one knew that the old ruins were the
homes of djins and evil spirits. The strangers had been interfering
with those ruins, and the djins and evil spirits had resented it.

"But," said Yussuf, "your people did more than their excellencies."

"Yes, perhaps so," said the head-man; "but they are fools and pigs. Let
the English effendis go, and not touch the ruins again."

Yussuf explained, and the professor made a gesture full of annoyance.

"Ask him, Yussuf, if he believes this nonsense."

"Not when I am with you, excellencies," he said smiling; "but when I am
with my people, I do. If I did not think as they do I could not live
with them. I am head-man, but if they turn against me they are the
masters, and I am obliged to do as they wish."

There was nothing for it but to go, and they left the village with all
its interesting surroundings as soon as the horses were packed, the
people uttering more than one menacing growl till they were out of
hearing.

"So vexatious!" exclaimed the professor.