mong his curios as
being most suitable for the purpose in hand, and it took the Sheikh's
attention at once.

"Well, Ibrahim," said the doctor, slowly removing his turban as if to
place it more comfortably, but holding it long enough for the Arab to
see his closely shaven head; "do you think this will do?"

"It is perfect, Excellency," said the old man warmly. "It far exceeds
all I could have thought possible."

"So say I," cried the professor, entering now in travel-stained Egyptian
garments and muslin-covered fez.

"Excellent, too, Excellency," said the Sheikh. "And now you will keep
to this?"

"Of course. The Hakim is ready now to go round and see his sick."

The Sheikh bowed, and feeling a little nervous the party set off at
once, leaving Sam watching them from the door.

It was rather an ordeal, for they had not gone many paces towards the
first tent they were to visit before they were seen, and word seemed to
be passed quickly through the encampment, so that as they reached this
first tent several of the Sheikh's people appeared, while when they came
out of it again nearly everyone of those occupying the place had hurried
forth to stand watching.

But there was no look of wonder, no vestige of a smile, only respectful
looks and bending down as the little party passed on.

That first visit was a solemn one, for it was to the tent where they
were met by the mother of the little child, who led them to where her
little sufferer lay in its last sleep. She reverently pressed the
Hakim's extended hand to her forehead, her tear-filled eyes and
trembling lips seeming to say that she accepted patiently the blow which
had fallen during the night, and that the Great Physician was very wise.

Frank Frere felt more at his ease by the time the next tent was reached,
and perfectly satisfied when all was done. For he had played his part
of slave and assistant easily and well, holding water vessels, passing
bandage and lint, and standing by the sufferers while the Hakim tended
his patients with the greatest care.

For there was no wondering gaze. It seemed quite natural and right to
the sufferers, who were all doing well. The change in the dress of the
Hakim and his friends was only what might have been expected now that
their journey there was over, while Frank, the black slave, had the
satisfaction of feeling that he was not even recognised by those he
tended. He was the Hakim's dumb, black slave. The white a