e hardly knew why, but attracted by the eyes of the Turk,
which were fixed upon him gravely, and in a half-pitying manner,
Lawrence rose and approached.

"I hope you will go with us," he said quickly.

Yussuf took his hand and held it, gazing in the lad's face earnestly, as
a pleasant smile illumined his own.

"You are weak and ill," he said softly. "The wind that blows in the
mountains will make you strong."

Then turning slowly to the others he saluted them gravely.

"Effendis," he said, "I am thy servant. Allah be with us in all our
journeyings to and fro. I will go."

"I am glad!" cried Lawrence.

"And so am I," said the professor, hesitating for a moment, and then
holding out his hand, which Yussuf took respectfully, held for a moment,
and then turned to Mr Burne.

"Oh, all right, shake hands," said the latter, "if it's the custom of
the country; and now about terms."

"Leave me to settle that with Yussuf," said the landlord hastily, and he
and the Muslim left the room.

"Seems queer to begin by being inspected, and then shaking hands with
the servant we engage, eh, professor?" said Mr Burne.

"The man is to be more than servant," replied Mr Preston; "he is to be
our guide and companion for months. He repelled me at first, but
directly he spoke in that soft deep voice there seemed to me to be truth
in every accent. He is a gentleman at heart, and I believe we have
found a pearl. What do you say, Lawrence?"

"He made me like him directly he looked in my eyes, and I am very glad
he is going."

"I repeat my words," said the professor.

"Well, I mustn't quarrel, I suppose. My back's too bad; so I throw in
my lot with you, and say I am glad, and good luck to us."

"Amen," said the professor gravely; "but I like our guide's way of
wishing success the better of the two."

CHAPTER NINE.

YUSSUF IS SUSPICIOUS.

Lawrence watched anxiously for the arrival of the new guide Yussuf on
the day appointed for sailing. There had been one more disappointment,
the Greek having declared that he must have another day before he would
be ready, but there was no further delay.

Yussuf came to say that he had examined the boat, that it was good,
seaworthy, and well manned by a stout little crew of sailors, but that
he was very much dissatisfied with the accommodation prepared for the
gentlemen.

He had not been told to report upon this matter, and his evident quiet
eagerness to serve his employers well