report from the leader of the patrol. The prisoners noticed that, though the fierce, old man stood like a graven image, the younger Emir passed his hand over his beard once or twice with a nervous gesture, the thin, brown fingers twitching among the long, black hair.
“I believe the Gippies are after us,” said Belmont. “Not very far off either, to judge by the fuss they are making.”
“It looks like it. Something has scared them.”
“Now he’s giving orders. What can it be? Here, Mansoor, what is the matter?”
The dragoman came running up with the light of hope shining upon his brown face.
“I think they have seen something to frighten them. I believe that the soldiers are behind us. They have given the order to fill the water-skins, and be ready for a start when the darkness comes. But I am ordered to gather you together, for the Moolah is coming to convert you all. I have already told him that you are all very much inclined to think the same with him.”
How far Mansoor may have gone with his
