oning for her
to follow. So far as he was concerned the matter was closed. But Peggy,
her heart thumping like a trip-hammer, her eyes full of excitement,
implored him to stop for a moment.

"I appreciate this great honor, but I have a request to make," she said
clearly. Mohammed paused irresolutely and in some irritation.

"Here's where the heathen gets it among the beads," whispered Monty to
Mrs. Dan, and he called out: "Captain Perry, detail half a dozen men to
pick up the beads that are about to slip from his majesty's neck."

CHAPTER XXIV

THE SHEIK'S STRATEGY

Peggy gave the sheik an entrancing smile, followed by a brief glance at
the beaming Miss Valentine, who nodded her head approvingly.

"Won't you give me time to go below and pack my belongings that they
may be sent ashore?" she asked naively.

"Thunder!" gasped Monty. "That's no way to turn him down."

"What do you mean, Monty Brewster?" she cried, turning upon him with
flashing eyes.

"Why, you're encouraging the old guy," he protested, disappointment in
every inflection.

"And what if I am? Isn't it my affair? I think I am right in suspecting
that he has asked me to be his wife. Isn't it my privilege to accept
him if I wish?"

Brewster's face was a study. He could not believe that she was in
earnest, but there was a ghastly feeling that the joke was being turned
on him. The rest of the company stared hard at the flushed Peggy and
breathlessly waited developments.

"It won't do to trifle with this chap, Peggy," said Monty, coming quite
close to her. "Don't lead him on. He might get nasty if he thinks
you're making sport of him."

"You are quite absurd, Monty," she cried, petulantly. "I am not making
sport of him."

"Well, then, why don't you tell him to go about his business?"

"I don't see any beads lying around loose," said "Rip" tormentingly.
The sheik impatiently said something to the interpreter and that worthy
repeated it for Peggy's benefit.

"The Son of the Prophet desires that you be as quick as possible, Queen
of the World. He tires of waiting and commands you to come with him at
once."

Peggy winced and her eyes shot a brief look of scorn at the scowling
sheik. In an instant, however, she was smiling agreeably and was
turning toward the steps.

"Holy mackerel! Where are you going, Peggy?" cried Lotless, the first
to turn fearful.

"To throw some things into my trunk," she responded airily. "Will you
come with me,