"Come, then! Let each man load himself with such provisions as he can carry. We should start at once. It is necessary for us to be far away before morning."
Harry Urquhart turned and was about to enter the hut, when he was brought to an abrupt standstill. He stood motionless and gaping, unable at first to believe the evidence of his own eyes. For there, in the doorway, within the enclosure of the fort, stood the figure of a man—a man who was dressed in robes of flowing white.
"The Black Dog!" let out the guide, and brought his rifle to his shoulder.
"Peace," said the sheikh, lifting a hand. "Think before you fire."
Fernando's rifle was directed straight at the man's heart. The Arab never flinched. He stood like a statue, speaking in the slow, deliberate tones of one who is in full possession of his senses.
"If you fire," said he, "you slay one who has come to place his services at your disposal. You are surrounded by a legion of foes. Every rifle counts. I bring you aid."
Slowly Fernando lowered his rifle; then he laughed.
"We do not want your aid," said he.
"There," answered Bayram, "you are wrong."
"How so?"