I heard Edmund’s voice, almost unrecognisable in the harsh gutturals of Arabic, giving directions, as I guessed, about getting up the path. Then someone slipped and I heard the quick swish of a whip, the thud of its lash on flesh, and a growl like that of a wounded beast.
I drew in my breath with a little gasp and a throb of the heart, wondering if Edmund had struck the blow.
It seemed a horrible and hideous thing to me then.
The two men who had been with the dinghy now passed us also bearing loads, and three of the first party came back for others. Edmund and the rest had evidently gone on up the tunnel to my cellar.
It was strange to me to think of these wild-looking creatures even in the cellar of my peaceful home, and I wondered what Bates would think of them. I sincerely hoped that Mrs. Rattray would keep out of their way.
I knew how utterly she would disapprove of them, and feared I should sink in her estimation by such an association.
And Mrs. Rattray’s good opinion was very precious to me.
In an incredibly short time all the cases had disappeared and the men were back with my luggage.
Bates came to see me off, bringing some things he had thought of at the last moment as likely to add to my comfort.
“Is everything all right, Bates?”