She swayed, and he caught the lamp from her hand with a deftness that saved it from falling. His free arm encircled her. He longed to see the face hidden by that veil.
In a moment the girl had recovered, and she started from him, saying swiftly:
“Am I a child that I lose my strength thus! I am strong now. How you escaped from Bab-el-Maroc I know not. Great was my wonder and joy to see you in Tangier. Ben Ahmet told me you were dead, and Ali Mustaf swore it was true.”
Frank was not a little puzzled by her words. He would have questioned her, but she suddenly started, catching him by the arm, and panting:
“Listen! Is it some one I hear coming this way?”
Both listened, but heard nothing save the rustling movement of a rat.
“We must get away soon,” whispered the girl. “If they should come—if they should find us here! We must go!”
“But how did you know where to find me?” asked Frank, whose curiosity was great. “How did you know where they had placed me?”
“I heard them talking. They did not know I was listening. They spoke of you, saying they had disposed of you at last, and that you would never escape to trouble them more. I stilled my heart—I listened, and I heard them say where they had placed you. Then, when my time came, I hastened here. The door was barred, but with all my strength I dragged the bar away. Then it was that my courage nearly failed me. I prayed to Allah. I took up the lamp and here I am.”
“Brave little girl! They had left me here to die—to starve and be devoured by rats!”