d and started through the wood. He had not gone very far when he
found that the grove was by no means a large one, for the trees opened
before him. He bore to his left, hoping that they would extend along the
river bank; but it was not so. The grove was isolated, and a large patch
of cultivated land stretched down to the river. Half a mile further
there was another grove; but whether this was more extensive than that
in which he now was he had no means of telling. Standing at the edge of
the trees he could see several figures on horseback moving about, and
saw at once that they were natives.

"The Hussars will want two or three days' rest, I expect," he said,
"before their horses are fit to go out and drive these fellows into the
town. Well, here goes!" and he descended the bank of the river, which
was now low, and kept along under its shelter until he reached the next
grove.

It seemed so much safer where he was than it would be above that he
determined to keep under shelter of the bank until he reached the camp.
He had gone a hundred yards farther when there was a sudden exclamation
on the bank above him, and almost at the same instant a spear struck his
helmet from his head. He turned round and brought his rifle to his
shoulder, but in a moment the Arab on the bank was joined by a score of
others, who with loud yells rushed down upon him.

[Illustration: "GOOD-BYE, LAD, AND GOD BLESS YOU!"]

He saw that to fire was to ensure his death, and that resistance was
worse than useless. He therefore threw down his gun and held up his
arms. The Arabs rushed upon him in a body with uplifted spears and
swords, but on an order sharply given by one who seemed to be their
leader they lowered these. Edgar was, however, knocked down, kicked, and
beaten, then some cords were placed round his body and arms, and he felt
himself lifted up and carried away.

He was thrown down again in the wood, and an animated and, as it seemed
to him, angry discussion was carried on some time. He had picked up a
good many Arabic words, but not enough to enable him to understand the
discussion; but he had no doubt that the subject of dispute was whether
he should be killed at once or carried away prisoner. As after a time he
was lifted up, the cords round his legs taken off, and he was hurried
along with many curses and an occasional sharp prick with a spear, he
judged that those in favour of sparing his life for the present had won
the day.

His