“None of Ibrahim, and the men want to know what they are to do.”
“Nothing,” said the doctor sadly. “We are prisoners, and resistance to the Emir’s guard would be madness.”
“So I have told them, but they don’t want to go in search of him.”
“What, then?” said Frank impatiently. “You mean something else?”
“Yes,” said the professor sadly; “we are to shift our quarters. Our guard has given them orders to load up their camels with fodder, provisions, and water, in case we have to take to the desert, and to fill the water-skins so as to have an ample supply. They are to be ready to start at a moment’s notice, and asked me if they are to obey.”
“And you told them yes, of course?” said Frank eagerly.
“I told them yes, of course,” said the professor sadly; “but I don’t like going. It is leaving poor old Ibrahim in the lurch.”
“But I suppose we have no option?” said the doctor.
“None unless we make up our minds to resist.”
“And that would be throwing away our lives,” said Harry gloomily. “This chief of the guard has his orders, and he is evidently a man who will serve his master faithfully and well. I suppose he will be taking the Emir’s household with us?”