After proceeding about two miles from the scene of their disappointment, Golah suddenly stopped, as he did so, giving to his followers some orders, in a low tone.
The camels were immediately brought into a circle, forced to kneel down, while their lading was removed from them.
While this was going on, the white captives heard voices and the trampling of horses’ hoofs.
The black sheik, with his highly educated ear, had detected the approach of strangers. This had caused him to order the halt.
When the noises had approached a little nearer, Golah called out in Arabic, “Is it peace?”
“It is,” was the answer; and as the strangers drew nearer the salutations of “Peace be with you!”
“Peace be with all here, and with your friends!” were exchanged.
The caravan they had met consisted of between fifteen and twenty men, some horses and camels; and the sheik who commanded it inquired of Golah from whence he came.
“From the west,” answered Golah, giving them to understand that he was travelling the same way as themselves.
“Then why did you not keep on to the well?” was the next inquiry.