"Yes, sir," George replied.
"Very well, your two men are on ahead acting as guides with the advanced guard; you will ride on and join them, and act under the orders of the officer in command of that party. Hurry up!"
Helmar at once started off, and in a few minutes caught them up. He found Belbeis and his guide of the previous day riding on the lead with the officer. Reporting himself, he was told to ride with them, and the journey began in deadly earnest.
"We are bound for Cairo," the officer explained, "and must reach there in the quickest possible time."
"Yes, sir; and which route is to be taken?" asked George.
"Via a little village called Belbeis, where we shall rest for the night."
"Belbeis," exclaimed Helmar, looking over at his faithful guide.
"Yes," replied the Arab, "I know, it is my native place, the village from which I take my name. It is on the fresh-water canal. We must take the desert route, and so avoid Arabi's entrenchments."
Turning to the officer, George interpreted what Belbeis had said, adding that he thought the suggestion the guide had made was the best plan possible.
"Very well, but there must be no mistake, for our work will admit of no delay. The man can be trusted, I hope."