" said Yussuf; "only follow me closely,
and think that I am leading you along a safe road."

The darkness was, on the whole, favourable, for it stayed the fugitives
from seeing the perilous nature of the narrow shelf, where a false step
would have plunged them into the ravine below; but they followed
steadily enough, with the way gradually descending. Sometimes they had
to climb cautiously over the rocks which encumbered the path, while
twice over a large stone blocked their way, one which took all Yussuf's
strength to thrust it from the narrow path, when it thundered into the
gorge with a noise that was awful in the extreme.

Then on and on they went in the darkness, and almost in silence, hour
after hour, and necessarily at a very slow pace. But there was this
encouragement, that the lights and sounds of the rock-fortress gradually
died out upon vision and ear, and after turning a sharp corner of the
rocks they were heard no more.

"I begin to be hopeful that they have not found out our way of escape,"
said Mr Preston at last in a cheerful tone; but no one spoke, and the
depressing walk was continued, hour after hour, with Yussuf untiringly
leading the way, and ever watchful of perils.

From time to time he uttered a few words of warning, and planted himself
at some awkward spot to give a hand to all in turn before resuming his
place in front.

More than once there was a disposition to cry halt and rest, for the
walk in the darkness was most exhausting; but the danger of being
captured urged all to their utmost endeavours, and it was not till
daybreak, which was late at that season of the year, that Yussuf called
a halt in a pine-wood in a dip in the mountains, where the pine needles
lay thick and dry; and now, for the first time, as the little party
gazed back along the faint track by which they had come through the
night, they thoroughly realised the terrible nature of their road.

"Everyone lie down and eat," said Yussuf in a low voice of command.
"Before long we must start again."

He set the example, one which was eagerly followed, and soon after, in
spite of the peril of their position and the likelihood of being
followed and captured by the enraged chief, everyone fell fast asleep,
and felt as if his or her eyes had scarcely been closed when, with the
sun shining brightly, Yussuf roused them to continue their journey.

The path now seemed so awful in places, as it ran along by the
perpendicular walls