November 6.—Our embassy cannot now be long in making its appearance, and we have decided to go as far as the frontier to meet it. We shall thus more speedily obtain the news we are so impatiently awaiting, and we shall be in readiness to enter the territory of the Walindis, either to fight them, or to have an interview with their Queen, as the case may be.
November 25th.—At last the caravan is in sight, just as we had given up all hope of ever seeing it again. Warned of its arrival, we have all of us emerged from our tents. Yes! There is no doubt about it. There is Ali in front. He recognizes us, and hurries to meet us. Why such haste, if he has no news of M. de Guéran? The Arab and the negro, when they are conscious of failure, dissemble and try to hide their want of success. Our interpreter must have some great news for us—our fate is on the point of being decided.
CHAPTER XIV.
Ali, our interpreter, was with us in a few seconds.
"I see by your eyes," I exclaimed, as soon as he reached us, "that you have succeeded in your mission."
"Yes," replied the Arab triumphantly, "I have succeeded."
"You have discovered M. de Guéran?"
"I have found him, seen him, spoken to him."
"What did he tell you to say to us?"
"Nothing; he was not able to say a word, but I have something to give you."