Belbeis did not reply for a moment, then rousing himself as if from deep thought, said—
"I have many scores to wipe out with the officer Arden, and should be glad of a chance to do so;" then with a backward jerk of the head, in the direction of the guide riding behind, "You do not know that we have a man with us who is the greatest renowned fighter in the Egyptian army. He also hates this Arden."
"Good," replied George. "As far as I can see we are all of the same mind on that point, but, to satisfy our own personal grievances, we must not forget that we have a most important mission to fulfil. Cairo must be saved, no matter how much we want to pay off old scores."
Day was now beginning to break, and the first streaks of dawn were already shooting across the eastern horizon; in a few minutes the light would have spread, with the rapidity only to be found in tropical climates, and the morning twilight passed. The desert air was delicious as it swept with the light morning breeze into the faces of the fugitives, and though for only a period of short duration, was more than refreshing to both horse and rider. Soon the scorching sun would rise, and the stifling, burning, parching heat would take the place of this balmy atmosphere; then the endurance of the travellers would be taxed, and all their fortitude be required to reach their destination.
The city was still in sight, but rapidly sinking from view. George reckoned that they had already covered eight or nine miles.
"How far off is the road to Suez, where you expect to meet Arden's men?" asked our hero.
"Eight miles further on. We could strike the road sooner, but it is not good," Belbeis answered; "there is time enough."
"And how far is it to Tel-el-Kebir?"
"Fifty miles as the bird flies," he answered. "The way we go, about sixty. Ah!"
The exclamation was caused by the sight of a small cloud of dust to their left front. It was far in the distance, but in the broadening daylight plainly visible to the keen-eyed Belbeis. Pointing in the direction he drew Helmar's attention.