"That's the first of it," said the explorer. At this moment Gholab approached and saluted respectfully, his bearded face immobile. "Well, what is it?"
"Does the sahib wish to outspan here?"
"Yes. Outspan and pitch camp for to-day. And, Gholab, have two graves dug at the top of this little rise."
The Gurkha saluted and wheeled. Charlie caught an excited look from Jack, and then gave his attention to the General once more.
"'Zahir has built a hut. Could get away but refuses. No cartridges in revolver. Z. is cutting up camel. Tough but nourishing. Have hopes. If I pull out will reward Z. for life.'
"That's the second bunch of sentences, written on the envelope. The next seems to come on the back of the letter, and is addressed doubly."
The explorer swept his eye down the two dirty, torn papers, and then read slowly:
"'To Selim ben Amoud or Louis Schoverling. Whoever finds, take to them.
"'Fever for two weeks. Camel gone bad, no cartridges. Zahir-ed-din ben Yusuf has caught some mice for me and starved self. No hope left unless L. S. comes. Am weaker, and Z. has fever.
"'In watchcase is plan of Selim's. Struck east from Lake Sugota with camels. Had brush with British but shook them off. Into desert five days full speed. Country deserted. Chain of small lakes, woods, hills as indicated on plan. Deserted ruined huts, no natives. Found Lake Quilqua to south of others.'"