our way among the
sleeping camels and horses, unobserved by any of their keepers. We next
waited anxiously for the appearance of Ben; who, to our great
satisfaction, at last came riding down the hill, and placed himself at
our head,--when it was almost ludicrous to observe the air of unconcern
he assumed as he rode forward at our head. The plain we had to pass was
perfectly open, without a tree or shrub to conceal us, so that all we
could hope for was that no suspicious eyes might be turned in the
direction we were pursuing. On we went, wishing that Ben would hasten
forward with the camel; but there he sat, letting the beast walk at its
usual pace--which, when it was not obliged to put forth its powers, was
unusually slow.

We had got round the hill, and were steering northward, when, as we
looked over our shoulders, what was our dismay to see several Arabs
mounted on camels coming down from the camp at full speed! It was
evident that Ben had been seen, and his object suspected.

Boxall shouted to him to push on without thinking of us, and not to pull
rein till he had reached those who might be induced to come to our
assistance.

"Ay, ay, sir," he answered. "Trust me for that. I'll not drop anchor
till Bu Saef has rejoined his old masters."

Saying this, off he went; and we felt very sure that, fleet as were the
camels who were pursuing him, he would not be overtaken. In a few
seconds he was out of sight.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

HOTLY PURSUED--BEN GALLOPS OFF ON BU SAEF--WE FIND CONCEALMENT IN A
RUIN--SURROUNDED BY OUR PURSUERS--A FIERCE CONFLICT--BEN APPEARS--A
FRIENDLY RECEPTION--HOW BEN ARRIVED AT THE FRENCH CAMP--SAIL FOR OLD
ENGLAND--CONCLUSION.

We ran on as fast as our legs could carry us, hoping that the Arabs,
having their eyes fixed on Ben, had not perceived us. Bu Saef had a
long start, for the other camels while descending the hill could not
advance so rapidly as on the plain. We had thus also an advantage, of
which we were determined to make the best use: inured to long tramps
across the Desert, with but little flesh on our bones, and our muscles
well strung, we could run as fast as any ordinary camels over the hard
ground. We were in good wind, too, and had no fear of getting tired;
instead, therefore, of stopping at the first place Selim had discovered,
we pushed on for the ruined temple he had discovered in the wood. I may
formerly have run faster for a short distance, but never had I