Frank sighed.
“We are under the Emir’s guard,” he said, “and when the order to start is given we shall have to obey.”
“And about now, sir. It’s of no use to pretend to lie down and sleep,” said Sam; “I couldn’t get a wink.”
“No, nor anyone else,” replied Frank; “there is nothing to be done but watch and wait.”
Chapter Forty One.
The Last Struggle.
The night glided slowly on, seeming to be as long as several to the weary watchers, and during the latter part, when the bustle of preparation had long ceased in the women’s part of the palace, even the horses and camels beyond the dividing wall had grown perfectly quiet.
From time to time, watchful and silent, the officer of the guard had been to visit them, looking sharply round and then leaving without a word; while after one of his visits Frank and the professor stepped out into the open to visit the Sheikh’s men, who were seated smoking patiently by their crouching camels, waiting for their chief’s return.