"Without your leave," muttered Abdullah.
"But they have claimed a right, notwithstanding, and I must acknowledge it."
The correspondent could hardly conceal his satisfaction. His ruse had succeeded. By partaking of the sheikh's salt he and his companions had, according to the custom of the Arabs from time immemorial, secured his protection, and nothing short of the shedding of blood by those who were under this protection could release the chief from his obligations.
As for the lads, unable to understand the significance of their action, they were beginning to feel the effects of the salt.
"Swallow it!" said Mr. Reeves sternly. "Swallow it! For Heaven's sake don't spit it out! I'll tell you why later."
Striving to conceal his bad temper, the Sheikh Abdullah stood up, grimly saluted the imperturbable Wadherim, and strode back to his encampment, followed by the Baggara, while the now more friendly chief clapped his hands as a signal for the three Kafirs to be removed.
"You see, Hugh, I heard we were to be separated," explained Mr. Reeves.
"Separated!" exclaimed both lads, in dismay. "When?"
"We were to have been, I ought to have said. But sneaking the sheikh's salt altered the case. I don't think we shall be now. We may also be better treated, being sort of inferior guests of the sheikh. I only hope he won't put us under too much of an obligation, or it would be rather low-down to give him the slip."
"If we do, where can we make for?" asked Gerald. "There are miles of sand, and not a thing to guide us."