houting
Somali.

A stunning report, a hollow groan, and down came the savage all in a
heap, while the heavy shield bounded with a clatter over the stones.

CHAPTER XIV.

OVER THE WALLS.

The crack of the revolver, following closely on the Somali's loud yell,
had barely died away in echoes when the dark street seemed fairly to
burst into life.

The fugitives did not wait to see the result of the shot, but as they
dashed madly forward they heard the people calling wildly to one another
as they hurried from their dwellings.

Even Melton kept up with wonderful endurance. The excitement had given
him false strength, and he kept even pace with Guy and Canaris.

Close at hand was the termination of the street, and as they were within
ten yards of it a big Somali suddenly leaped out and barred the way.

The fugitives were going at a rate of speed which it was simply
impossible to check. Canaris was a foot in advance, and in an instant
more he would have impaled himself on the savage's outpointed spear.

It was too late to use the revolver which he still carried in his hand,
but quick as a flash he hurled it with all his might, and with such
correct aim that it landed plump on the fellow's head with an ugly
crack.

The Somali howled with agony, letting the spear drop from his nerveless
hands, and just as it clattered to the ground Canaris was upon him with
a rush, and down they went together, the Somali undermost.

Canaris was up in a trice, and Guy and Melton, bounding on behind,
trampled the half unconscious savage under their feet.

"Go on," said Guy fiercely. "We will outwit them yet. Brace up, Melton;
we'll soon be out of this hole."

Forbes gritted his teeth to suppress a cry of pain.

"I can't keep up much longer," he said. "I'll faint from loss of blood."

The place they had just entered was the great trading locality and slave
market of the town. At this time of year it was deserted, but the empty
stalls and booths stood about in endless confusion.

The wisdom of the route chosen by Canaris was now apparent, for this
labyrinth of paths, which wove an intricate network through the stalls,
offered just the opportunity they wanted; and, following the Greek's
guidance, they twisted in and out in a tortuous line that gradually
brought them toward the opposite side of the market.

The outcry behind them had by this time swelled to a perfect tumult, and
the night air bore it to their ears with star