They mounted again as soon as
possible, however, and once more we went ahead.

A sharp look-out was kept for the camp, of the position of which the old
Arab did not appear certain; for the tribe had been moving on for the
last two days, in order to put as wide a space as possible between
themselves and their foes. At length we saw a horseman spurring across
the plain, when, catching sight of our camels, he turned and galloped
towards us. He was one of several scouts who had been sent out to look
for our party. Guided by him, we now went forward with confidence, and
soon came in sight of numerous troops of camels, spreading, it seemed,
right across the horizon; while Arabs were arriving from all
directions,--some mounted on camels, others on foot. Passing through
the line of camels, we saw before us a number of low tents, pitched at a
short distance from a pool of water bordered by tall reeds, stunted
palms, and other trees. As our party approached, we were welcomed with
loud shouts. No sooner had we dismounted than the wife of the sheikh--a
tall woman of commanding aspect--advanced from her tent to meet Boxall,
who went forward with confidence, we following. I cannot say that she
looked benignantly at us, for her countenance was stern, though
unusually handsome for an Arab woman of her age. She gave orders that a
tent should be prepared for our use, however; and as soon as we had
taken possession of it she sent us a bowl of couscoussu, with some dates
and camel's milk, so that we fared sumptuously after our fatiguing ride.

"I feel almost as if I had got home again," said Boxall, as we lay at
our ease with our legs stretched out on the carpet covering the floor of
our tent. "I am really thankful to have you with me. Besides, we enjoy
an advantage in being under the protection of a powerful sheikh, though
I am afraid that our chance of escape is as remote as ever; while I
suspect, notwithstanding the sheikh's promises, he will be very
unwilling, when the time comes, to give me my liberty."

"Where there's a will there's a way; and we must look out for that way,"
observed Ben. "I only hope that we shall some day get back to the sea,
or be in the neighbourhood of some town where Christian people live. We
must look out, at all events, for a chance of giving our friends the
slip. I, for one, have no fancy to spend my days among these fellows,
who never think of serving out an honest piece of roast beef, and t