st of
them. But I say, isn't it turning very cold?"

"Yes, excellency, we are high up in the mountains. There is no other
place so high as this, and if we do not go soon the winter will be upon
us."

"Winter? not yet," said the professor.

"Your excellency forgets it is winter in the mountains when it may be
only autumn in the plains."

CHAPTER FORTY TWO.

A SAD FAILURE.

At last!

The Chumleys were fast asleep; the wood fire had burned down into a
faint glow that played over the white ashes, and the air seemed to be
piercingly cold.

The guards had looked in according to their custom, and then proved how
cold it was by stopping by the fire for about a quarter of an hour,
talking in a low tone together before going out.

The provisions, principally bread and raisins, were taken out of
Yussuf's hiding-place, where he kept the worsted rope, and this latter
he wore twisted round his chest, beneath his loose garment, ready in
case it might be wanted. The food was made into six packages, and each
took his load, leaving two for the Chumleys, and now a short
conversation ensued about Hamed, whom they had only seen once since
their imprisonment. For the driver had been sent to another part of the
old ruins with the horses.

The professor was saying that they ought to try and get Hamed away with
them; but Yussuf declared it would be impossible, and said that as a
compatriot he was perfectly safe.

Under these circumstances it was decided to leave him; and now, all
being ready, Lawrence was deputed to awaken the Chumleys, and bid them
rise and follow.

"How do you feel, my lad?" said the professor, with his lips to
Lawrence's ears.

"Nervous, sir."

"No wonder. It seems cruel to have to leave so much behind, but never
mind. Now, Burne, are you strung up?"

"Yes, quite," was the reply.

"Ready, Yussuf?"

"Yes, excellency, and mind, once more, all are to follow me close under
the walls. Not a word is to be spoken."

"But you will pause for a few minutes in the subterranean passage,"
whispered the professor. "I must see that."

"You will have ample time, excellency. Now, Lawrence effendi, awaken
your friends."

Lawrence drew a long breath, and stooping down, laid his hand upon Mr
Chumley's shoulder.

"Don't!" was the gruff response.

"Mr Chumley, wake up. Hush! Don't speak."

"Eh, what? Time to get up. Why don't you pull aside the rug?"

"Hush, sir! Wake up."

"Eh, what? Is my