with arms ready for instant use, but no foe appeared in front or
behind, and at last, with a glad cry, Canaris pointed to the distant
gleam of the Abyssinian camp.

"We are safe now," exclaimed Guy. "The Gallas feared to pursue us any
further lest their anticipated attack on the Abyssinians should be
spoiled."

"Yes," replied Canaris, "either that or they have circled round, hoping
to cut us off at yonder gap in the mountains where the road breaks
through to the coast. And now the rock must be close by. Ha! What does
that mean?"

Bang! went a rifle shot directly ahead, and a brief red flash pierced
the gloom.

"It is Forbes!" cried Chutney. "He is in danger. Quick, quick, to the
rescue."

A loud shout followed closely on the heels of the report, and
recognizing Melton's voice, Guy, lost to all sense of prudence, cried
aloud:

"Don't give in Forbes; we are coming."

An answering hail came distinctly back, followed immediately by a
second shot.

The agony of suspense was brief. A moment later the rock loomed into
view, and the panting camels came to a halt before the entrance to the
cavern.

"Oh, you've come back safe?" exclaimed Melton coolly, as he came forward
with a smoking rifle in his hand. "I've had a brush with a party of
Abyssinians. They were hunting their camels, I suppose, and took me by
surprise. I dropped one of the rascals, and---- Look out! There they are
again."

All dodged to the ground as a shower of spears fell about the rock. With
a hollow groan one of the camels dropped heavily over, pierced in the
throat by a short spear, and his huge bulk formed a natural barrier
before the cavern. Melton's rifle cracked sharply and a howl of pain
attested the accuracy of his aim.

"Into the cavern, all of you," cried Guy. "The Abyssinians are coming in
force; the firing has attracted them to the spot."

Already a shadowy mass was visible some hundred yards off, and the sound
of voices was distinctly heard.

The Greek hastily motioned Sir Arthur and the colonel into the cavern,
and hurriedly tossed in the provisions bag by bag.

The enemy were now quite close, and as Canaris stowed away the last bag
they came on with a wild rush.

From behind the dead camel Guy and Melton poured in a hot fire that
checked their impetuous advance instantly, and before they could rally
for another charge, both had bolted into the gloomy hole, and the stone
was deftly rolled into place.