While the brief conversation above related was being held, Golah had
become busily engaged in overhauling the lading of one of his camels.

The object of search was soon discovered; for, the moment after, he came
towards them carrying a long Moorish spade.

Two of the black slaves were then called from the line; the spade was
placed in the hands of one, and a wooded dish was given to the other.
They were then ordered to make a large hole in the sand; to accomplish
which they at once set to work. "They are digging a grave for me, or
that of the poor woman, perhaps for both of us?" suggested Colin, as he
calmly gazed on the spectacle.

His companions had no doubt but that it was as he had said; and sat
contemplating the scene in melancholy silence.

While the slaves were engaged in scooping up the hole, Golah called the
two guards; and gave them some orders about continuing the journey.

The blacks set about the work were but a few minutes in making an
excavation in the loose sand of some four feet in depth. They were then
directed to dig another.

"It's all over with me," said Colin; "he intends to kill two, and of
course I must be one of them."

"He should kill us all," exclaimed Terence. "We deserve it for leaving
the well last night. We should have made an effort for our lives, while
we had the chance."

"You are right," replied Harry; "we are fools, cowardly fools! We
deserve neither pity in this world nor happiness in the next. Colly, my
friend, if you meet with any harm I swear to avenge it, whenever my
hands are free."

"And I'll be with you," added Terence.

"Never mind me, old comrades," answered Colin, who seemed less excited
than the others. "Do the best you can for yourselves, and you may some
time escape from this monster."

The attention of Harry was now attracted to Sailor Bill, who had turned
his back towards one of the black slaves sitting near him, and was by
signs entreating the man to untie his hands.

The man refused, evidently fearing the anger of Golah should he be
detected.

The second Krooman, who was unbound, now offered to loose the hands of
his countryman; but the latter seemed satisfied with his want of
freedom, and refused the proffered aid. He also feared death at the
hands of Golah.

If left to divine the ultimate intentions of the black sheik, by the
knowledge of human nature they had acquired before falling into his
hands, the white captives would not have been