He knew well enough that Egypt was overrun with bandits such as these, and that the authorities made but a poor pretense of suppressing the lawless bands.
He tried to temporize, but the chief was cautious. He knew he had wandered nearer to Cairo than was safe.
One of the men spoke in a low tone to the Arab, and instantly all was in commotion.
The two Americans were bound quickly and raised to the back of donkeys.
The whole gang of robbers mounted and hurried away from the vicinity of the city at a speed that Max could not believe a donkey was capable of maintaining.
But the wild tribes of the Nile have long possessed the secret of making the native donkey forget its natural laziness and go with the speed of a well-trained mule.
“Where are we going?” asked Max.
He was answered by a slap across the face, which nearly capsized him.
“Another word and the body of the American shall be but carrion.”
“Don’t speak, Max,” entreated Mr. Gordon, who was trembling with fear.