for the older
gentlemen brought a siphon of soda-water with brandy. It was already
night but unusually warm; as there happened to be full moon it was as
bright as in daytime. The white walls of the city buildings opposite
the tents shone greenly; the stars glowed in the sky, and in the air
was diffused the scent of roses, acacias, and heliotropes. The city
already was asleep. In the silence of the night at times could be heard
only the loud cries of cranes, herons, and flamingoes flying from
beyond the Nile in the direction of Lake Karun. Suddenly, however,
there resounded the deep bass bark of a dog which astonished Stas and
Nell, for it appeared to come from a tent which they had not visited
and which was assigned for saddles, implements, and various traveling
paraphernalia.

"That must be an awfully big dog. Let us go and see him," said Stas.

Pan Tarkowski began to laugh and Mr. Rawlinson shook off the ashes of
his cigar and said, also laughing:

"Well, it did not do any good to lock him up."

After which he addressed the children:

"Remember, to-morrow is Christmas Eve, and that dog was intended by Pan
Tarkowski to be a surprise for Nell, but as the surprise has started to
bark, I am compelled to announce it to-day."

Hearing this, Nell climbed in a trice on Pan Tarkowski's knees and
embraced his neck and afterwards jumped onto her father's lap.

"Papa, how happy I am! how happy I am!"

Of hugs and kisses there was no end. Finally Nell, finding herself on
her own feet, began to gaze in Pan Tarkowski's eyes:

"Pan Tarkowski--"

"What is it, Nell?"

"--As I already know that he is there, can I see him to-night?"

"I knew," exclaimed Mr. Rawlinson, feigning indignation, "that this
little fly would not be content with the news itself."

And Pan Tarkowski, turning to the son of Chadigi, said:

"Chamis, bring the dog."

The young Sudanese disappeared behind the kitchen tent and after a
while reappeared, leading a big dog by the collar.

Nell retreated.

"Oh," she exclaimed, seizing her father's hand.

On the other hand, Stas grew enthusiastic.

"But that is a lion, not a dog," he said.

"He is called Saba (lion)," answered Pan Tarkowski. "He belongs to the
breed of mastiffs; these are the biggest dogs in the world. This one is
only two years old but really is exceedingly large. Don't be afraid,
Nell, as he is as gentle as a lamb. Only be brave. Let him go, Chamis."

Chamis let go of the collar