rrowly
eyeing the ground in the hope of finding the footmarks of any camels
which might have preceded us. On we went, the remainder of the caravan
waiting for a sign from their chief to advance. At length there
appeared a gap in the cliff, if I may so call it,--just as if a violent
current of wind had forced its way through the barrier. The sheikh
examined it, evidently doubting whether it would afford a safe passage
for himself and his numerous followers, with their flocks and herds.

At last he moved forward ahead of us, to examine the passage more
narrowly; now looking to the right, now to the left, as if disliking the
appearance of the towering masses of sand above his head. At length he
exclaimed, "If it is the will of Allah that we should perish, why longer
hesitate?" and waving his spear, he urged on his camel into the centre
of the gorge.

I was on the point of shouting to him to stop, for I observed the summit
of the cliff begin to tremble ominously, as if it felt the effect of the
camel's feet at its base; but in another instant down came the avalanche
of sand, entirely surrounding the sheikh, who in vain endeavoured to
force his way out. Higher and higher it rose, his camel struggling
violently--while he clung to its back, knowing that should he lose his
hold he himself would be speedily overwhelmed. His brother and the rest
of the leading party stood aghast, afraid of sharing his fate should
they attempt to go to his rescue; while, regardless of what might be the
consequences to myself, I dashed forward, calling to Halliday and Ben.
Fortunately, I carried secured to my saddle a long coil of rope, which I
had found useful in surrounding my flock at night; and telling my
companions to hold fast to one end, I took the other, and, throwing
myself from my camel, dashed into the midst of the sand. I knew,
however, that at any moment, should I be completely overwhelmed, they
could draw me out.

I made my way with great difficulty, almost at times covered up by the
sand, till I succeeded in crawling rather than walking up to the spot
where the sheikh was struggling.

"I have been sent to your rescue, O sheikh," I cried out, throwing him
the end of the rope. "Secure this to your camel's body." He quickly
did as I advised him.

"Is it secure?" I asked. The reply was in the affirmative.

"Hold on then, O sheikh, and we will draw you forth!" I exclaimed;
when, hurrying back to my companions, we fasten