savage force, more and more riding into sight till
fully two hundred were making for the water pools.

But no one stirred save Frank, who calmly held the glowing piece of fuel
to the Hakim's pipe, while the latter sat unmoved, calm, and grand of
aspect, slowly inhaling and exhaling the fragrant smoke and gazing at
the warlike crowd which surrounded his little tent.

By this time horse, foot, and camel men, the whole party, had pressed
close up to the advance, and a burst of eager talking arose, the aspect
of the savage warriors indicating that they believed they had come
suddenly upon a prize. But they were evidently under the strong hand of
some form of discipline, for they waited while a couple of
fierce-looking leaders, whose shaggy black hair stood straight up and
outward like some kind of cap, pressed the sides of their horses and
walked them forward, to be met by Ibrahim, who advanced with great
dignity, and in response to a fierce question as to who and what they
were, saluted them gravely and announced that they were in the presence
of a great Frankish Hakim travelling through the land upon his great
mission to heal the sick and wounded.

To this, the younger of the two burst into a mocking laugh and said
something to his fellow leader, who responded by laying a hand upon his
companion's rein as he spoke haughtily in his own tongue to Ibrahim, his
words having a threatening sound.

The Sheikh's voice sounded as haughty and as firm, and he waved his hand
around, while to Frank it seemed that the old man was repelling some
accusation and saying--

"If we were enemies to you and yours should we come unarmed and in peace
like this?" Then his voice grew sterner and his eyes flashed, as,
uncomprehended by those for whom he was spokesman, he cried--

"Retire your men ere you disturb the great Hakim's repose. Has he not
journeyed through the night on his way to the south to heal and cure,
and as you see, he is resting before he takes his sleep. Beware how you
anger him, for as he can heal so can he bring down upon all the disease
and death he has removed from others."

The younger man made a scornful gesture, but his elder was evidently
impressed, and Ibrahim continued--

"You have come for water for your horses and camels; take it silently,
and leave the great Hakim in peace. Anger him not, lest at a word and a
wave of the hand he turn the sweet water into bitterness that shall
wither all who drink. Hor