Colin had in his hands the bowl of water, and the dried figs that had been placed beside it. Advancing towards Golah he held the figs up before his eyes, and then, with a nod and an expression that seemed to say, “Thank you for this,” he raised the bowl to his lips with the intention of drinking.
The expression upon the sheik’s features became satanic, but suddenly changed into a glance of pleasure as one of the Arabs snatched the vessel out of Colin’s hands and instantly drank off its contents.
Colin received the lesson meekly, and said not a word.
The Arabs speedily commenced making arrangements for leaving the place. The first move was to establish a communication between Golah and the saddle of one of his camels.
This was accomplished by using a rope as a medium; and the black giant was compelled to walk after the animal with his hands tied behind him, in the same fashion as he had lately set for Sailor Bill.
His wives and slaves seemed to comprehend the change in their fortunes; and readily adapted their conduct to the circumstances.
The greatest transformation of all was observable in the behaviour of the favourite Fatima.
Since his capture, she had kept altogether aloof from her late lord, and showed not the slightest sympathy for his misfortunes.
By her actions she seemed to say, “The mighty Golah has fallen, and is no longer worthy of my distinguished regard.”
Very different was the behaviour of the woman, whom the cruel sheik would have left to die a lingering death. Her husband’s misfortune seemed to awaken within her a love for the father of her children; and her features, as she gazed upon the captive, who, although defeated, was unsubdued in spirit, wore a mingled expression of pity and grief.