ng every now
and again, even in face of the withering rifle fire, as though
half-minded to renew their attack. Some turned and shook their fists,
while others, with the fanatic's unconquerable spirit and reckless
valour, rushed back singly, only to fall long before they reached the
hated foe.

Once the threatening attitude of the retiring masses raised the cry of
"Close up! they're coming again!" But a well-directed volley settled
the question, and the last stragglers soon disappeared behind the
distant sandhills.

Cheer on cheer rose from the square, and Jack, grounding the butt of
his heated weapon, joined in with a right good will, for he had fought
his first battle, and his heart throbbed with the triumph of victory.

But even now the conflict was not quite over. Arab marksmen were still
lurking in the broken ground, and one of them suddenly rose into view
from behind a rock. Levelling his piece he fired, and Mr. Lawson, who,
revolver in hand, had stepped into a gap in the ranks, fell forward on
his face, the blood gushing in a crimson torrent from his mouth. At
the same moment "Greek met Greek;" for "Swabs," throwing his rifle into
his shoulder fired, and the Arab sharpshooter tossed up his arms and
dropped out of sight behind a rock.

Our hero fell upon his knees with something like a sob, and attempted
to raise the fallen man. There was no lack of assistance. Mr. Lawson
was one of those officers for whose sake men are always ready and glad
to risk their lives; but the boldest among them could do nothing for
him now, and a moment or so later he died in Jack's arms.

"He's gone, right enough, poor fellow!" said Captain Hamling, the
commander of the company, who had hurried to the spot. "See what's in
his pockets, Fenleigh. It there's anything of value, it must be taken
care of, and sent to his people."

Jack did as he was ordered. A pipe, tobacco-pouch, jack-knife, and
rolled bandage were the chief things he found; and he handed them to
the captain. There was still the breast-pocket of the tunic, and this
on examination was found to contain a small letter-case and a handsome
gold watch. Jack glanced at the timepiece, and very nearly let it drop
from his fingers to the ground; he knew it in a moment--the lost
treasure which years ago had been stolen from Queen Mab's cupboard.
This then was the thing which Raymond Fosberton had parted with for
five pounds.

* * * * *