"I promise nothing, Ben Eddin," said the old man smiling; "but an Arab
Sheikh and the black slave with him can go far unnoticed. Wait and see.
Till then go on and be a patient servant to the sick man here, the
Emir's son. He likes you in his way. Maybe he will be better soon, and
want you to bear him company here and there."

"Yes, it is possible," cried Frank excitedly.

"And it would give you time to search the place or learn by chance where
the prisoner may be. It is not wise to let the heart sink in sorrow as
the sun goes down amongst the mists of night. Does it not rise again
and bring the light? Surely it is better that you are here."

"Yes," said Frank eagerly. "I spoke in haste."

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

SAM'S TONGUE.

As soon as the first disappointment had passed off it was decided to
make the best of their position--one whose advantages soon grew upon the
adventurers. So the Hakim settled down steadily to his task of healing,
and the Emir's son not only rapidly improved, but grew more friendly as
he gained strength.

This friendliness was not displayed in his behaviour towards his doctor
but in his dealings with Frank, who in his efforts to help Morris
devoted himself heart and soul to their principal patient.

The young Emir had from the first seemed to be attracted by Frank, while
he was morose to his white attendants, the very fact of the young man
being a black and a slave to a white seeming to form a bond of sympathy;
and finding that the Hakim would take no gifts, he often showed his
satisfaction by making some present or another to his dumb attendant.

A greater one was to come.

Advantage was soon taken of the Emir's concession. Notice was given to
the Baggara guard, and one afternoon, guarded by six mounted men, Frank,
the professor, and Sam, attended by the Sheikh, mounted their camels and
rode out of the palace gates to inspect the city and a part of its
surroundings, with which, from the freedom he had already enjoyed,
Ibrahim was becoming pretty well acquainted.

As soon as they started, the guard fell back to the rear, contenting
themselves with following, and leaving the Sheikh to take whatever
course he chose, so that he led, with Frank at his side, talking to him
in a low voice as if describing all they saw to his dumb companion, who
questioned him from time to time with his eager eyes.

Long experience as dragoman and guide had made the old man wonderfully
intelligen