All right, go on!" he shouted in his
own tongue, as they rode on past the wild passage among the rocks.

But Hamed did not stir, and as they advanced they could see that he was
sheltering himself behind one of his horses, and still staring before
him.

The way curved in, and then went out to the shoulder upon which the
baggage-horses stood, doubtless bending in again directly on the other
side. Hence, then, it was impossible for Yussuf and his party to see
what was beyond; neither could they gain a sight by altering their
course, for their path was but a shelf with the nearly perpendicular
side of the gorge above and below.

They were now some eighty or ninety yards from the corner, and Yussuf
shouted again:

"Go on, man; that is right."

But Hamed did not move hand or foot, and Yussuf checked his horse.

"There is something wrong, effendis," he said quietly; and he thrust his
hand into his breast and drew out his revolver. "Get your weapons
ready."

"What, is there to be a fight?" said Mr Burne excitedly.

"I hope not," said Mr Preston gravely, as he examined the charge of his
double gun, an example followed by Lawrence, whose heart began to beat
heavily.

"You had better halt here, excellencies," said Yussuf. "I will go
forward and see."

"No," said Mr Preston; "we will keep together. It is a time for mutual
support. What do you think it is?"

"The man is timid," said Yussuf. "He is a good driver of horses, but a
little frightens him. The country is wild here; there may be wolves or
a bear on the track which he would not dare to face, though they would
run from him if he did."

They all advanced together with their weapons ready for immediate use,
and Lawrence's hands trembled with eagerness, as he strained his eyes
forward in expectation of a glimpse at bear or wolf, and in the hope of
getting a good shot.

"Why don't you speak? Are you ill?" continued Yussuf as he rode on
forward. But Hamed did not stir; and it was not until the guide could
almost touch him that he was able to see what was the cause of his
alarm, and almost at the same moment the others saw it too.

"We must keep a bold face and retreat," said Yussuf in a quick low tone.
"You, Hamed, take the bridle of that horse and lead him back; the other
will follow."

"No, no, no; they will fire."

"So shall I," said Yussuf, placing the muzzle of his pistol close to the
man's ear. "Obey me; or--"

Hamed shuddered and began to