then we can all steer for the
river together, and either borrow a canoe or build a raft, as you
proposed."

"But the risk of missing each other is very great," I answered. "I am
therefore still inclined to hold to my opinion, that it will be better
to wait till I can get back; and if I can give a favourable account of
my mission, the sheikh will place more confidence in us, and we shall be
less strictly watched than heretofore."

"I propose that we consult Selim," said Halliday. "He has been making
inquiries about the country, and has picked up a good deal of
information which might be useful to us."

"I am sure, from what he has said to me lately, that he can be trusted,
and that he is as anxious to escape as we are,--so I agree with you,
Halliday," I said. "Perhaps the sheikh will allow him to accompany me;
if so, he will be of great assistance in enabling me to find you out. I
might ask to have him, on the plea that he understands the language of
the people."

My companions agreed to this proposal, and I undertook at once to
petition the sheikh that he would allow me to take Selim. It was also
settled that my friends should endeavour to escape from the camp exactly
twelve days after I had left it, when they were to make their way along
the banks of the river for six days, and then look out for me. I
undertook, on my part, to return eastward for the same length of time,
also keeping as closely as possible to the river. By this plan we had
good hopes of meeting, though we could not conceal from ourselves that
there were many dangers to be encountered; but yet no more feasible plan
presented itself.

So confident did I feel in Selim's honesty, that, without speaking to
him, I at once went back to the sheikh and boldly requested that he
might be allowed to accompany me. To my great satisfaction, he at once
consented.

"He is a sharp lad, and you will find him of great use on your journey,"
he added.

Selim, whom I soon afterwards found, was greatly pleased at what I told
him.

"We may hope, then, to shake the dust of the camp off our feet for the
last time," he said quietly.

I had fixed my eyes on Selim's countenance as he spoke. He turned his
on me with so honest a look, that I was more than ever convinced he was
sincere. I took his hand, and said,--"We understand each other, then;
if we escape to my country, notwithstanding the difference in the colour
of our skins you shall be my friend for li