g him no doubt an account of the insurrection,
for the names Berbera, Zaila, and Makar Makalo were frequently
mentioned.

Guy, from his position at Melton's side, who had been placed on a soft
lion skin, watched the strange scene with wonder. He was more worried at
present about Melton than anything else. The spear wound had not yet
been dressed, and the poor fellow was in too much pain even to talk.

At last the Arab turned round, and, pointing to the Englishmen, spoke in
a low tone to the Emir, who half rose from his seat and looked sharply
at the captives.

Guy met his gaze calmly and steadily. In a moment the suspense would be
over, and their fate would be decided one way or the other.

CHAPTER X.

THE SLAVE PRISON.

The Emir's reply was brief and apparently forcible. He clapped his
hands, and half a dozen soldiers appeared instantly. He addressed them
with a word or two, but before they could execute his orders, Guy
hastened forward and said to the Arab, "I pray you have my friend's
wound dressed. He is suffering much pain."

The Arab addressed the Emir, pointing to the wounded man, and then,
turning to Guy, he said, "It is well. Rao Khan will see to the Inglis
man."

Guy would have sought more information, but the soldiers now came
forward and picking Melton up motioned Guy to follow them. They passed
out of the apartment by a rear door, and traversing a long hall, entered
a big courtyard.

On the right and left were high stone walls, and directly opposite was a
low, gloomy sandstone structure, with one narrow door opening on the
court.

Here were standing more armed guards, who obsequiously opened the door
for the approaching captives.

As they passed through the gloomy portal Guy's heart sank. His eyes at
first could see nothing but darkness, and he blindly followed his
conductors until they came to a stop. A heavy door was closed and bolted
behind him, and then all was silent.

In a few seconds he was able to see his surroundings. He was in a square
dungeon, lighted by a narrow aperture high up in the wall. The floor was
of stone, strewn with straw. Melton sat up and leaned against the wall.

"Where are we, Chutney?" he asked.

"I don't know," answered Guy; "in some sort of prison, I suppose.
Why--hello, Melton, here are iron rings sunk in the floor all along the
side."

"That settles it, then," rejoined Melton. "This is Rao K