"Thin ye will 'ave done no more than Master Colly, who has already
robbed 'im av twa, the haffections av 'is wife an' bairn."

"That will do, Bill," said Colin, who did not like hearing any allusion
made to the woman. "We have something else that should engage our
attention. Since we have learnt that they intend taking us to
Timbuctoo, it is time we began to act. We must not go there."

"That is understood," said Harry; "but what can we do? Something should
be done immediately. Every day we journey southward carries us farther
from home, or the chance of ever getting there. Perhaps these Arabs may
buy us, and take us north. Suppose we get the Krooman to speak to
them?"

All consented to this course. The Krooman was called; and when informed
of their wishes he said that he must not be seen speaking to the Arabs,
or Golah would be displeased. He also stated, what the white captives
had already observed, that Golah and his son were keeping a sharp watch
over them, as well as over the strangers; and that an opportunity of
talking to the Arab sheik might not be easily obtained.

While he was still speaking, the latter was observed proceeding towards
the well to draw some water.

The Krooman instantly arose, and sauntered after.

He was observed by the quick eye of Golah, who called to him to come
away; which he did, but not before quenching his thirst, that did not
appear to be very great.

On the Krooman's return from the well, he informed Harry that he had
spoken to the Arab sheik. He had said, "Buy us. You will get plenty of
money for us in Swearah;" and that the reply of the sheik was, "The
white slaves are dogs, and not worth buying."

"Then we have no hope from that source!" exclaimed Terence.

The Krooman shook his head; not despondently, but as if he did not agree
in the opinion Terence had expressed.

"What! do you think there is any hope?" asked Harry.

The man gave a nod of assent.

"How? In what way?"

The Krooman vouchsafed no explanation, but sauntered silently away.

When the sun was within two or three hours of setting over the Saara the
Arabs struck their tents and started off in the direction of the dry
well, from whence Golah and his caravan had just come. After they had
disappeared behind the hill, Golah's son was sent to its top to watch
them, while his women and slaves were ordered to strike the tents as
quickly as possible.

Then waiting till the shades of night had de