ngry and thirsty.

"Come, gentlemen, let us be going to the date-grove," cried old Sam; "my
throat is like a dust-bin."

"Should the Arabs come back they will carry us off if we do," observed
Stephen. "Better bear our hunger and thirst till the coast is clear."

It was somewhat difficult, however, to restrain themselves. Seeing
this, Selim, for so the young Arab was called, said Stephen's advice was
good, and counselled them to remain concealed for the present. At last
old Sam declared that he could stand it no longer, that he had eaten up
the dates of the rest of the party and drunk up their water, and that it
was his business to go and forage for them. Stephen again warned him,
but in spite of this he set off, running for the date-grove. Roger, who
had climbed to the top of the hill, watched as far as he could see his
figure. At last he appeared to have entered the grove, and had been
gone for some time, when Selim, who, accompanied by Jumbo, had been
looking out from the top of the hill, said that his enemies were coming
back and were making for the date-grove. Roger feared that old Sam
would be on his way to rejoin them, and, being seen by the Arabs, would
lead them to their hiding-place. The Arabs came nearer and nearer, and
Roger fancied that he saw the old sailor just coming out of the grove,
but on perceiving the Arabs, he darted back again, probably to conceal
himself. His capture seemed certain. The Arabs reached the date-grove,
and to the dismay of the shipwrecked party, appeared to be preparing to
pass the night there. Their sufferings now became intense; they feared
also that the old sailor would be compelled to betray them. The evening
was approaching, and Roger and Stephen agreed that they could scarcely
hope to live through the night unless they could obtain food. Suddenly
Selim, observing their countenances, which showed how much they were
suffering, put his hand in his pocket and produced a quantity of dried
dates, which he offered to them. Though their thirst was great they
were able to eat the dates, and felt much revived.

"The Arabs will go by daylight to-morrow," said Selim, pointing to the
grove, "and then we may obtain water."

When night came, they lay down to rest. There was little risk of being
discovered by their enemies, but a lion or some other wild beast might
scent them. Both Roger and Stephen were, however, too tired to keep
awake, but Selim seemed to divine how matt