was the
one that occupied the fugitives' attention most. Already the figures
of at least twenty horsemen were plainly discernible; the other
cloud was still in the far distance.

"They must have already seen us," said Belbeis, with his eyes fixed
on the northern party, "and cannot be more than two miles off. Come
along, let us give them a race!"

As he spoke all three men urged their horses on, but the approaching
party were travelling more rapidly than they, and every minute
seemed to be coming nearer. At last Helmar said--

"Look here, Belbeis, it seems to me we are uselessly distressing our
horses; let us slow down and wait until they come up. We may as well
fight now as later on."

"Good," answered Belbeis, his eyes sparkling with pleasure; "my duty
is to convey you safely to Tel-el-Kebir, and I thought there might
just be a chance of avoiding the risk of a fight; but it is not to
my liking, I would sooner fight."

"We shall get all we want of it, I expect," said Helmar, drawing his
carbine from its bucket and examining the breech.

Since they had drawn rein the party of approaching horsemen neared
rapidly; as they galloped over the plain George counted at least
twenty mounted men, headed by one who rode by himself. The
companions determined to save their ammunition until the enemy was
at short range, which did not take long, the distance decreasing
every instant.

"Our horses will stand fire," said Belbeis, "they are well trained,
and we can shoot from their backs."

"Good," said George, "that will be in our favour. Now wait till I
give the word to fire, and then take a steady aim at their horses."

The three men sat keenly watching the advancing soldiers. They were
plainly visible, and the uniform told our hero that they were
Arabi's men. In five minutes' time Helmar turned with an exclamation
to his companions.

"A white man leads them!" he cried, in excited tones. "Who can it
be?"

Belbeis narrowly scrutinized the leader, then turning to George
smiled grimly into his face.

"You will have the opportunity you wish for. Old scores can be wiped
off before we are taken. The leader is your old enemy, the officer
Arden himself!"

The foremost of the party were within eight hundred yards of the
waiting trio; Helmar gave the word "Ready," and taking a careful
aim, his companions waited for the word to fire. It came short and
sharp, and the three carbines rang out. When the smoke had cleared
away thre