"But you--you--?"

"I'll take care of myself. After you are out of the way. Dare you
try that? Or what do you suggest?"

"Oh, not alone. Together--"

"So--so--" said Hamdi Bey inarticulately, his head nodded, he
staggered, his knees gave way and he crumpled very completely upon
the floor, and lay like a felled log.

After a quick look down at him Ryder turned to Aimee. "Quick, then.
We'll make a run for it--"

He did not finish. Hamdi Bey, upon the floor, fallen half under the
folds of the white cloth, made a swift and very expert roll and
darted to his feet beside Aimee, whirling her about, with pinioned
elbows, for his shield.

And so screened, he gave a shrill whistle.

CHAPTER XIV

WITHIN THE WALLS

Ryder sprang forward, trying to reach the bey, but he dodged
skillfully; his holding Aimee blocked Ryder in his attack.

He knew that high, peculiar whistle had been a signal, a call for
aid, and he flung a lightning glance down that long room, tightening
his hold on the revolver--but he did not see the small door that
opened in the shadowy paneling behind him, nor the shadow that grew
into the gorilla-like shape of the black as it launched itself
through the air upon his back.

He only heard Aimee's scream, and then before the crashing weight
upon his shoulders he staggered and went down.

The bey flung Aimee aside and rushed upon the prostrate figure,
kicking the revolver from the outspread hand. The black knelt
swiftly down, unfastening his silken sash.

Giddily the room whirled about Aimee.... In the candle light,
leaping in the rush of conflict, she saw the bey and the black, and
their distorted shadows in a goblin blur.... And beneath them she
saw Ryder, helpless, his hands and feet pinioned.... With the
madness of despair she rushed forward, but the general intercepted
her.

"He is quite helpless.... You need not be alarmed for my safety,
madame!"

The cold, biting fury of his voice steadied her. She saw his face
was distorted, livid with anger. His breathing was stertorous.

She stood helplessly by the table; the general turned and looked
down upon the face of the man who had dared to violate the sanctity
of his harem and attempt to steal his bride; beyond the man's head
Yussuf, the black, was squatting with a grinning, dog-like
watchfulness.

But Ryder did not require watching. That sash had been tied strongly
about his hands and feet. He was as helpless as a baby.

But the pec