f had lain watching the desert in vain
he signed for the Sheikh to come to him, and in a stronger voice bade
him fetch the leader of the men left on guard.

The man came, and a conversation ensued, the result of which was that
the Baggara went away to join his companions, with whom a long
consultation was held, followed by certain unmistakable movements which
brought the Sheikh to his friends.

"They are going to march," he said. "Their tents are being struck, and
everyone is preparing. I saw four men seeing to the water-skins; others
are packing, and soon after midnight they will leave."

"And what about the young chief? He is not fit to go, eh, doctor?"

"Unless he is carried," was the reply.

The Sheikh smiled.

"They are preparing a camel for him so that he can share it with one of
the wounded men--a litter such as they use for the women. They can
almost lie, one on either side, Excellencies. I expect that they will
say nothing, but that we shall wake in the morning and find that we are
alone."

The Sheikh had hardly spoken when the party saw the head of the Baggara
guard approaching.

As the man came within reach he signed to the Sheikh to join him, and
his words were very few before he turned upon his heel and strode away.

"What does this mean, Ibrahim?" said Frank. "Did he tell you that they
are going?"

"Our tents are to be struck, Excellency, and everything loaded upon our
camels before daylight."

"Ah!" said Frank eagerly; "to march to the south?"

"Yes, Excellency. His orders from the chief were that if he did not
return in the number of days now passed we were to be taken south."

"Whereto?"

"Omdurman, Excellency. He has been waiting for the young chiefs
speaking to say that he was strong enough to go. The time was past the
day before yesterday. The young man told him an hour ago that he could
bear it now."

"Then the suspense is over!" cried Frank eagerly.

"Mind, Excellency!" said the Sheikh, laying his hand upon the young
man's arm; "the young man is trying to look round this way. He must not
see your lips moving, nor hear you speak."

It was a slip on Frank's part, but the young chief did not seem to have
noticed anything, and mentally resolving to be more careful the speaker
drew back a little as if waiting for orders.

"Yes," said the professor; "the suspense is over, and we are once more
about to start. This time it will be direct to our goal."

"But how is it th