some event of thrilling interest was about to transpire.

"Colin," cried Terence, encouragingly, "we won't sit here quietly and
see you meet death. We had better do something while yet we have a
chance. Let Harry give the word."

"I tell you it's madness," expostulated Colin. "Wait till we see what
he intends doing. Perhaps he'll keep me awhile for future vengeance;
and ye may have a chance of a rescue when there are not two men standing
over us ready to blow our brains out."

Colin's companion saw there was truth in this remark; and for awhile
they waited in silence, with their eyes fixed upon the tent of the
sheik.

They had not long to wait, for soon after Golah came forth, having
finished his consultation with Fatima.

On his face appeared a hideous smile, a smile that made most of those
who beheld it shudder with a sensation of horror.

CHAPTER FIFTY.

A LIVING GRAVE.

Golah's first act after coming forth was to take some thongs from his
saddle. Having done this, he beckoned to the two who guarded the
slaves, giving them some admonition in an unknown tongue. The effect
was to excite their greater vigilance. The muzzles of their muskets
were turned towards the white captives, and they seemed anxiously
waiting the order to fire.

Golah then looked towards Terence, and made a sign for the young
Irishman to get up and come towards him.

Terence hesitated.

"Go on, Terry," muttered Colin. "He don't mean you any harm."

At this instant Fatima stepped out from the tent, armed with her
husband's scimitar, and apparently anxious for an opportunity of using
it.

Acting under the advice of the others, Terence sprang to his feet, and
advanced to the spot where the sheik was standing. The Krooman who
spoke English was then called up; and Golah, taking him and the
midshipman each by a hand, led them into his tent, whither they were
followed by Fatima.

The sheik now addressed a few words to the Krooman, who then told
Terence that his life depended on perfect obedience to Golah's orders.
His hands were to be tied, and he must not call out so as to be heard by
the others.

"He say," said the Krooman, "if you no make fight, and no make noise, he
no kill you."

The man further counselled Terence to submit quietly, saying the least
resistance would lead to all the white slaves being killed.

Though possessing more than average strength and power for a youth of
his age, Terence knew that, in a stri