ief withdrew to a little distance and held a long conference with
half a dozen of his companions.

Guy and Canaris remained calm and motionless on their camels, haughtily
scanning the sea of threatening black faces that hemmed them in on all
sides.

Their only ground for hope rested in the fear which Makar Makalo, by his
summary dealings with these tribes, had inspired in them.

The single motive which in all probability hindered the head man from
acceding at once to their demands was the dread of Oko Sam's displeasure
in case that despotic monarch were rescued in the morning.

The eager confab was still going on as strenuously as ever when a tumult
arose from the outskirts of the throng, and presently, amid hoarse
cheering and applause, a man broke through the parted ranks of the
people and limped feebly into the open space.

It was Oko Sam!

CHAPTER XX.

BY A HAIR'S BREADTH.

A nervous shiver passed through Guy as he recognized the repulsive face
of his old enemy, and instinctively he pulled his burnouse closer around
his head. Oko Sam darted a curious glance at the two motionless figures
on the camels and then advanced to meet the head man, who broke off the
conference and greeted his newly arrived chief in a most servile manner.

"Don't despair," whispered Guy; "those infernal Abyssinians have become
drunk and allowed their captive to slip away just at this critical time,
but all may go well yet."

It took but a short time to make Oko Sam acquainted with the facts of
the case. He strode up to the camels, and gazed long and haughtily at
the two strangers. Then, apparently satisfied with his scrutiny, he
addressed a few words to the weazened Arab, and, turning to his people,
jabbered away volubly for two or three minutes. When he ceased, half a
dozen men started off in different directions, and the interpreter
proceeded to communicate the decision to Guy, who, in spite of his calm
exterior, was greatly agitated.

"Oko Sam say yes," began the Arab. "He friend of Makar Makalo; he no
want Makar lose Zaila; he give plenty food for journey; he give six,
ten, twenty men go long, so bring back much gift from Makar. You say
Makar give much, hey?"

"Yes," replied Guy, repressing with difficulty his extreme joy, "Makar
will give big rewards to Oko Sam."

The Arab turned aside with a grunt of satisfaction as half a dozen
natives came up, bearing leat