“I sent one of my sons yesterday with two camel-loads of necessaries, Excellency,” replied the old Arab. “They can see us coming, for they will have been watching, and there will be all their Excellencies need.”
“Come, Frank, that does you good, doesn’t it?” said the professor.
“Oh, yes; and I shall, I hope, make a better show of endurance after a day or two.”
“The young Excellency has done well,” said the Sheikh, smiling pleasantly. “The way is long; he is not accustomed to travelling like this, and his mind is not at rest. He and the Hakim have borne the ride well.”
“Does the Hakim know that we are in sight?” said Frank, who was watching the bent, weary figure in front.
“No, Excellency.”
“I’ll go and cheer him up with the news,” said the professor, urging on his camel, while Frank checked his to let Sam’s long-legged steed come abreast, and boldly now met the poor fellow’s appealing eyes.
“It’s you at last, Mr Frank,” said the man faintly. “I’ve been asking that native chap how long a man could go on like this before he’s knocked over by the sun.”
“And what does he say?” replied Frank cheerily.
“Only grunted like this beast does. I might just as well have asked it.”