nd was in
shadow,--dark enough to obscure the outlines of their bodies to an eye
looking in that direction, from such a distance as the camp. It was not
while toiling up the slope that they dreaded detection, but at the
moment when they must cross the saddle-shaped summit of the pass. Then,
the moon being low down in the sky, directly in front of their faces,
while the camp, still lower, was right behind their backs, it was not
difficult to tell that their bodies would be exactly aligned between the
luminary of night and the sparkling eyes of the Arabs, and that their
figures would be exhibited in conspicuous outline.

It had been much the same way on their entrance to the oasis; but then
they were not so well posted up in the peril of their position. They now
wondered at their not having been observed while advancing; but that
could be rationally accounted for, on the supposition that the Bedouins
had been, at the time, too busy over old Bill to take heed of anything
beyond the limits of their encampment.

It was different now. There was quiet in the camp, though both male and
female figures could be seen stirring among the tents. The _saturnalia_
that succeeded the castaway had come to a close. A comparative
peacefulness reigned throughout the valley; but in this very
tranquillity lay the danger which our adventurers dreaded.

With nothing else to attract their attention, the occupants of the
encampments would be turning their eyes in every direction. If any of
them should look westward at a given moment,--that is, while the three
mids should be "in the saddle,"--the latter could not fail to be
discovered.

What was to be done? There was no other way leading forth from the
valley. It was on all sides encircled by steep ridges of sand,--not so
steep as to hinder them from being scaled; but on every side, except
that on which they had entered, and by which they were about to make
their exit, the moon was shining in resplendent brilliance. A cat could
not have crawled up anywhere, without being seen from the tents,--even
had she been of the hue of the sand itself.

A hurried consultation, held between the trio of adventurers, convinced
them that there was nothing to be gained by turning back,--nothing by
going to the right or the left. There was no other way--no help for
it--but to scale the ridge in front, and "cut" as quickly as possible
across the hollow of the "saddle."

There _was_ one other way; or at least