“I was not killed monsieur. I was carried along to the oasis with them. At its edge, the world went black to me.” He paused. “That is all, monsieur. What has happened since, you know better than I.”
Mr. Hampton drew a long breath. The spell of the man’s tersely told story had held him enthralled.
“They garroted Professor Souchard and Ben Hassim,” he said.
The Athensian’s lips compressed. “A trick of the priest clan’s followers for disposing of enemies,” he said.
“And you were hit a blow on the back of the head, and left for dead beside them. It was there we found you.”
“Ah,” said the other, composedly. “They lied to me. They said my life would be spared.” A long pause followed, during which he raised a languid hand to brush his eyes. “My name, monsieur,” he added, “is Amrath. I have delayed you, but not for long. Go now, and luck be with you. In the Valley of Korakum, should you reach it, you will find true men named Jepthah, Amonasis and Shilluk. Should it be your fortune to meet them, call upon them for help in my name. And now, luck be with you. I shall await your return.”
CHAPTER XIII.
KORAKUM REACHED.
The Athensian’s lengthy conversation palpably had tired him, and Mr. Hampton summoned Allola who had gone to the door of the tent to watch the final stages of the Arabs’ preparations for departure, and ordered her to prepare broth at once for Amrath. He also left with the latter one of his precious bottles of brandy, advising him to sip it sparingly.
Good-byes were said, and he was on the point of departure. In fact, already he had left the tent when Allola came running after him, summoning him in dumb show to return.
“A bit of advice, monsieur,” said Amrath. “Your one opportunity to intercept the party bearing away your son lies not in following their trail. It will be circuitous in order to pass by three small water holes in the desert of which we Athensians know. That is necessary because of the horses. But you, with your camels, need not strike those water holes. Take a supply of water in your water bottles, and strike due south. The only way to enter the mountain wall is through the old stone road leading into Korakum. There is another trail, which was destroyed ages ago, and which we revolutionaries secretly have been rebuilding. The spies set upon us recently may have reported that to the Athensian authorities. But, doubtless, this party will take the easier route. Therefore, I would advise you to seek the old road, which lies due south of this oasis and enters the mountains by the only accessible pass.