wild and
barren in the extreme, here and there a few cacti and stunted shrubs
alone being visible. It would be imprudent to attempt escaping by day,
with the possibility of being followed by the guides; even should they
not follow us, they would naturally, on their arrival at the camp,
inform the Arabs of the direction we had taken. Of course, we might
have shot them, or have hamstrung the camels; but though Selim suggested
that such might be necessary, I would not for a moment entertain the
idea. If we were to escape, we must escape with clean hands and clear
consciences. I would only consent to Selim carrying off one of the
carbines, and as much ammunition as he could obtain; while I provided
myself with as many dates and as much other food as I could stow away.

We determined to commence our enterprise that very night, as soon as the
moon had risen. I believed that I should have no difficulty, by the aid
of her light, in making my way due south; and I agreed to stop at
daybreak to look out for Selim. He would follow as soon as he thought
that I had got to a sufficient distance to render it unlikely that the
guides, should they propose to accompany him, would overtake me; and
even in that case he hoped to be able to slip away from them.

We encamped as usual, when Selim and I undertook to keep the first
watch; and the guides, unsuspicious of our intentions, went to sleep.
We had intentionally kept only a small fire burning, and as soon as the
guides' eyes were closed we let it get still lower. Selim might have
made his escape with me, but then he would have been unable to obtain
one of the carbines and the ammunition, which it was essential for our
future safety we should possess,--and which, according to the Arab
fashion, the men slept with close to their hands, ready for instant use.

Having fully agreed as to our future proceedings, so that there might be
as little risk as possible of missing each other, I looked once more to
the priming of my pistol, took a draught of water (that I might require
none for some time to come), and then stole noiselessly out of the camp.
I waited for a minute to ascertain that the Arabs were really asleep,
and not watching me; then I took another survey in every direction, lest
Antonio might possibly be in the neighbourhood; but no one appearing, I
started off, running towards the south.

I had before dark carefully surveyed the ground, and ascertained that it
was perfectly