desertion of his
chief.

At last the Arab spoke: "It is not necessary that we both return for
the gold. You shall go north with the woman, carrying a letter to a
friend of mine who is always in touch with the best markets for such
merchandise, while I return for the gold. We can meet again here when
our business is concluded."

Werper could scarce disguise the joy with which he received this
welcome decision. And that he did entirely disguise it from the keen
and suspicious eyes of Achmet Zek is open to question. However, the
decision reached, the Arab and his lieutenant discussed the details of
their forthcoming ventures for a short time further, when Werper made
his excuses and returned to his own tent for the comforts and luxury of
a long-desired bath and shave.

Having bathed, the Belgian tied a small hand mirror to a cord sewn to
the rear wall of his tent, placed a rude chair beside an equally rude
table that stood beside the glass, and proceeded to remove the rough
stubble from his face.

In the catalog of masculine pleasures there is scarce one which imparts
a feeling of greater comfort and refreshment than follows a clean
shave, and now, with weariness temporarily banished, Albert Werper
sprawled in his rickety chair to enjoy a final cigaret before retiring.
His thumbs, tucked in his belt in lazy support of the weight of his
arms, touched the belt which held the jewel pouch about his waist. He
tingled with excitement as he let his mind dwell upon the value of the
treasure, which, unknown to all save himself, lay hidden beneath his
clothing.

What would Achmet Zek say, if he knew? Werper grinned. How the old
rascal's eyes would pop could he but have a glimpse of those
scintillating beauties! Werper had never yet had an opportunity to
feast his eyes for any great length of time upon them. He had not even
counted them--only roughly had he guessed at their value.

He unfastened the belt and drew the pouch from its hiding place. He
was alone. The balance of the camp, save the sentries, had
retired--none would enter the Belgian's tent. He fingered the pouch,
feeling out the shapes and sizes of the precious, little nodules
within. He hefted the bag, first in one palm, then in the other, and
at last he wheeled his chair slowly around before the table, and in the
rays of his small lamp let the glittering gems roll out upon the rough
wood.

The refulgent rays transformed the interior of the soiled a