equest, arose and walked out to the open space in front, where
they could be better examined.

After becoming satisfied that all were capable of travelling, one of the
Arabs, addressing Jim, said, "We are going to purchase you, if you
satisfy us that you are not trying to deceive us, and agree to the terms
we offer. Tell the nephew of the English merchant that we must be paid
one hundred and fifty Spanish dollars for each of you."

Jim made the communication to Harry; who at once consented that this sum
should be paid.

"What is the name of his uncle?" asked one of the Arabs. "Let the young
man tell us."

"They wish to know the name of your uncle," said Jim, turning to Harry.
"The name I told you yesterday. You must try and remember it; for I
must not be heard repeating it to you."

"For God's sake buy us!" exclaimed Harry.

The Arabs looked at each other with an expression that seemed to say,
"It's all right!"

"Now," said one of the party, "I must tell you what will be the penalty,
if we be deceived. If we take you to Mogador, and find that there is no
one there to redeem you--if the young man, who says he has an uncle, be
not telling the truth, then we shall cut his throat, and bring the rest
of you back to the desert, to be sold into perpetual slavery. Tell him
that."

"They are going to buy us," said Jim to Harry Blount; "but if we are not
redeemed in Mogador, you are to have your throat cut for deceiving
them."

"All right!" said Harry, smiling at the threat; "that will be better
than living any longer a slave in the Saara."

"Now look at the Krooman," suggested Sailor Bill, "and say something
about him."

Harry, taking the hint, turned towards the African.

"I hope," said he, "that they will purchase the poor fellow; and that we
may get him redeemed. After the many services he has rendered us, I
should not like to leave him behind."

"He consents that you may kill the Krooman if we are not ransomed," said
Jim, speaking to the Arab merchants, "but he does not like to promise
more than one hundred dollars for a negro. His uncle might refuse to
pay more."

For some minutes the Arab conversed with each other in a low tone; and
then one of them replied, "It is well. We will take one hundred dollars
for the negro. And now get ready for the road. We shall start with you
to-morrow morning by daybreak."

The merchants then went off to complete their bargain with the old
sheik, and make other