nly difference was that there
were solid walls and a roof overhead.

The Hakim learned, too, as the days glided by, that he was expected to
see as many sick and wounded people as he conveniently could each
morning, from the time of the first meal till noonday. After that the
guard turned everyone away, and as time passed on the friends found that
the rule was never transgressed.

"The people have been taught so, O Hakim," said the Sheikh.

"Then we are to be at liberty for the rest of the day?" said the doctor.

"Yes, O Hakim, and you are to have everything you desire. You only have
to speak. It is the Emir's orders. But if at any time you are wanted
for the Emir's people or his friends, you are to see them in the after
part of the day. What is there that the Hakim would desire now? The
camels are well supplied, thy servants have good sleeping and
resting-places, and supplies are sent in every morning while you are
busy with the sick and wounded. What shall I tell the guard you
require?"

"Our liberty," said the Hakim sternly. "My people have been stopped
three times when they tried to leave the gate."

"Yes, O Hakim; it was the order given by the Emir to his servant, the
guard."

"Then tell the guard what I say. The confinement here is too great."

"There is the garden beneath the trees, Excellency," said the Sheikh.

"Yes, but we wish to see the town--to go where we will."

"I will go to the guard and tell him, Excellency," said the Sheikh
humbly, and he went away.

Within an hour--a long and weary one to Frank--he was back.

"I have seen the chief guard, Excellency, and he has taken your message
to the Emir, who sent for me at once."

"Well?" said the doctor; and Frank and the professor came close to hear
the reply.

"The Emir Prince sends greeting to your Excellency," said the old
Sheikh, who seemed greatly impressed at being made the medium of
communication between two such great men, "and he thanks you humbly for
the great change you have made in his dear son, who seems to be hourly
gaining strength."

"Yes, yes," said the doctor, rather impatiently; "go on."

"The Emir Prince says that he is aggrieved because you make so few
demands for yourself and your people, for he desires that you should
treat his home as yours, and have all that you desire."

"Then he gives us our liberty to go where we please?" said the doctor
eagerly, and Frank and the professor gave vent to sighs of satisfac