“If you wish to find rifle bullets, search,” replied Rupert significantly. “Listen, Ibrahim! I am camped here, and here I shall stay until you go, since I do not trust you and will not expose myself to attack upon the road. If you venture on violence, it is possible that you may succeed, since my mission is peaceful and I have but few men. But then the Khedive, your lord, will stamp you out, you and your tribe, and so there will be an end of an evil and dangerous man. I have spoken, go in peace.”
“By Allah! no,” shouted the Arab, “I come in war, for besides that of these women there is an old account to settle between you and me, who caused my town to be raided by the Government of Egypt, my women to be insulted, and my herds to be taken. Choose now. Hand over to me your camels, your merchandise and your arms, and of my mercy I will let you go. Resist, and I will take them all and offer to you, infidel, the choice between death and Islam.”
“Empty drums make a loud noise,” replied Rupert contemptuously, whereon the Arab, lifting the spear which he carried, hurled it at him.
Rupert sprang to one side, so that the weapon missed him by a hair’s-breadth.
“Now,” he said, “I can shoot you if I wish; but I will not forget my honour because you forget yours. Dog! God will avenge your treachery on you.”
“By my beard!” roared the Arab, “I will avenge Allah on you—yes, your infidel lips shall kiss his holy name.”
Then Rupert walked towards his men, who were running out to his assistance.
“Back,” he said, “and take cover. Ibrahim is about to attack us.”
So they went back and, since flight seemed utterly impracticable, having hastily tethered the camels in a recess of the cliff out of reach of rifle fire, lay down, every man behind a rock. Here Rupert addressed them, telling them what had passed, and saying they must either fight or be robbed and made prisoners, which would probably mean their death, since Ibrahim would not dare to allow any of them to live and be witnesses against him when he was brought to account for this great crime. Therefore, though they were but few, as they, mounted on camels, could not run from horsemen, it was wise that they should do their best.
The soldiers, who were all of them brave men, answered that it was so, they were few, still they would fight and try to beat off these Arabs. Only Abdullah looked downcast, and added that this trouble came upon them through the women, and that it would have been good to give them to Ibrahim.