d, and they got over
several miles before the heat became too much for Lawrence, who was glad
to sit down under the shade of a low cliff facing the sea and nibble one
of the biscuits that had been pretty well soaked with sea-water, and
drink from a rivulet whose presence suggested the halt.

When the heat of the day had somewhat abated the journey was continued;
and, at last, when the night was beginning to fall and arrangements had
to be made for sleep, the outlook was very black, for they were in a
very desert place, and, though Yussuf and the professor both climbed
eminences from time to time, there was not a trace of human habitation,
while their supply of food was growing very short.

"Never mind," said the professor cheerily. "Let's have a good night's
rest. I don't think we need set a watch here, eh, Yussuf?"

"It is always better to do so, effendi," said the Muslim, in his quiet
thoughtful manner; "there is a great ridge of rocks yonder in front, and
who knows what may be on the other side."

"But no one has seen us come here; and if they had, we have not much to
lose."

"Except the Turkish gold the two excellencies have in the belts round
their waists," said Yussuf quietly.

Mr Preston started at this, but said nothing then. Later on he found
that his thoughts had been shared upon the subject, for, as they sat
close up to a projecting cliff, Mr Burne leaned towards him and
whispered:

"Did you tell the guide that you had a lot of money in your cash-belt?"

"No. Did you?"

"No."

"It is very strange," said the professor.

"It is worse," was the reply; "but, look here, for goodness' sake don't
go making me uncomfortable by hinting that Yussuf has designs against
us."

"I am not going to," said the professor shortly. "I agree that it is
strange that he should know it, but I am going to place absolute faith
in Yussuf. If I am deceived in the man so much the worse for me."

"But he is an unspeakable Turk, Preston, and you are always reading what
the Turks are."

"I am always reading what their wretched government is. As a race I
believe the Turks are a particularly grave, gentlemanly race of men."

"I am sure," said Lawrence, "that Yussuf is doing all he can in our
interest."

"Tchah! stuff, boy! what do you know about human nature?" cried Mr
Burne angrily. "We are out here in the desert at this man's mercy."

"But he fought for us and saved me from drowning."

"Of course he did, boy;