"Personally," replied George, "I think it's suspicious. These Gypsies are very foxy; there are some about, or I'm much mistaken. You don't catch a man like Arabi retiring all his troops without leaving a strong rear-guard somewhere behind. What about that rise over there?" he went on, pointing to the dim outline of a hill in the distance. "I thought I saw the flash of a light there just now, but it might have been only fancy."
Captain Forsyth pulled his horse up for a moment and looked keenly in the direction indicated; but, as nothing appeared, the journey was resumed. A little further on, he suddenly exclaimed under his breath and whispered, "Wait a minute!" while he sprang from his horse.
George felt a breath of excitement as he watched the officer's movements. The trooper Brian had come up alongside him.
"Faith, seems to me there's some one on the move ahead of us. Can't you hear the sound of horses' hoofs, sir?"
Helmar listened. At first he could hear nothing but the sighing of the evening breeze as it rustled over the open plains; but gradually he became aware of other sounds blending with it. He listened intently, and the sounds became more distinct, but still so dim that they seemed very far off.
"Yes, I think you are right, Brian, but they are a long way off. They seem to me more to the left and in the direction of the patrol."
"That's so," replied the Irishman, "and, sure, it's to be hoped the sergeant is aware of 'em."
Just then the officer re-mounted his horse.
"Well, sir, do you think it's anything coming our way?"
"No," he replied, "not our way, but it's a party of horsemen, and they seem to be going straight for our main patrol. Brian, you and Helmar remain here; don't advance. I am going to join the sergeant's party. If you hear the sound of fire-arms from that direction, you two will join us at once; and if not, in twenty minutes from now strike a light and I shall rejoin you. Don't make any mistake. Helmar, I shall leave you in charge."