“The Rhat-hole,” I shouted, “Courage! dear witch; we shall win through yet.”

Yard by yard we made our painful advance. The details grew clearer until in my fevered imagination I could hear the cool splash of the pool. And then, with the suddenness of a cinema fade-out the picture vanished.

“Mirage,” I gasped.

There was no answer. Lady Sarah had fainted.

A hoarse kite-cackle sounded in my ears as I too sank in merciful oblivion.

Chapter XI
Antony and Cleopatra

Chapter XI

“You say you followed the kites?” I asked.

“Yes, Your Altitude,” said Ab-Domen, “for several days I kept away, for I thought you might wish ... that is ... the lady ...”; he grinned maliciously.

“It was not pre-arranged,” I said coldly.