n again spoke to Helmar.

"You can now go. Remember, until you leave here our friend Naoum is
responsible for your safe-keeping."

Waving his hand in sign of having closed the interview, Arabi leant
back in the chair, from which in his excitement he had sat bolt up
straight, his eyes following the prisoner until he left the room.

Once outside George was again conducted to his luxurious prison,
where an excellent repast awaited him. The effect of the interview
in no way deterred his appetite, and he occupied his time, waiting
for his benefactor, by doing ample justice to the luxuries placed
temptingly before him.

CHAPTER XXI

TO CAIRO AGAIN

It was some time before Naoum joined his _protege_. George finished
his meal and waited impatiently for his coming, but an hour passed
without any sign. At last he heard again, outside in the hall, a
bustle and noise similar to that which had occurred at Arabi's
arrival, and he knew that at last the rebel chief was taking his
departure.

After a while the noise died away and Naoum appeared. His face was
calm, but George noticed a something in his look that seemed foreign
to it, and a presentiment that he was about to hear bad news took
possession of him. As Naoum came forward, our hero greeted him
anxiously.

"Well, what news? Nothing bad, I hope?"

Naoum turned his eyes away, and the strange look deepened on his
face. George was quick to notice it.

"Yes, there is, I see it in your face. Tell me, I don't mind; it
can't be worse than death, and I have already faced that often."

"Arabi is a strange man," replied Naoum, as though thinking aloud.
"He appears to have no will of his own. This man Arden has him under
his thumb. Death," he went on, turning his strong face towards his
companion, "would be a blessing to that which I am afraid will be
your lot, unless----"

"Unless what?" eagerly demanded Helmar.

"Unless we can prevent it," replied Naoum slowly.

"What is this dreadful fate you anticipate?" asked George with a
sinking heart, as his friend's ominous words fell on his ears.

"After you had gone I endeavoured to draw from him what he intended
doing with you. I felt convinced that some plans were revolving in
his mind, and I wished, for our guidance, to discover them. In this
conviction I am certain I was right. He assured me that he had no
intention of having you executed, but he hung so persis