, as they journeyed along.

"Bismallah!" exclaimed Bo Muzem, "that is strange. I thought you had had
enough of them?"

"So I have," answered the grazier; "but that's just why I want more of
them. I want revenge on the unbelieving dogs; and will buy them for the
purpose of obtaining it. I work them until they are too old to do
anything and then let them die of hunger."

"Then buy those we have for sale," proposed Bo Muzem. "We are willing to
sell them cheap, all but one. The one who wrote this letter I shall
kill. I have sworn it by the prophet's beard."

As both parties appeared anxious for a bargain, they soon came to an
understanding as to the terms; and the grazier promised to give ten
dollars in money, and four head of horses for each of the slaves that
were for sale. He also agreed that one of his herdsmen should assist in
driving the cattle to any Arab settlement where a market might be found
for them.

The simple Bo Muzem had now in reality been "sold," for the story he had
been told about the escape of the two slaves, Terence and Jim, was
wholly and entirely false.

CHAPTER LXXIX.

RAIS MOURAD.

Six days passed, during which the white slaves were comparatively well
treated, far better than at any other time since their shipwreck. They
were not allowed to suffer with thirst, and were supplied with nearly as
much food as they required.

On the sixth day after the departure of Bo Muzem, they were visited by
their masters, accompanied by a stranger, who was a Moor.

They were commanded to get upon their feet; and were then examined by
the Moor in a manner that awakened suspicion that he was about to buy
them.

The Moor wore a caftan richly embroidered on the breast and sleeves; and
confined around the waist with a silken vest or girdle.

A pair of small yellow Morocco-leather boots were seen beneath trowsers
of great width, made of the finest satin, and on his head was worn a
turban of scarlet silk.

Judging from the respect shown to him by the merchants, he was an
individual of much importance. This was also evident from the number of
his followers, all of whom were mounted on beautiful Arabian horses, the
trappings of which were made from the finest and most delicately shaded
leathers, bestudded beautifully with precious metals and stones.

The appearance of his whole retinue gave evidence that he was some
personage of wealth and influence.

After he had examined the slaves, he retired