"It is the secret of the cave," replied Canaris. "The stone kraal is a curious formation of rocks that lie between the two mountains that bear those names. Close by is the village of the chief of all the Gallas."
"But how under the sun can this discovery benefit us?" repeated Guy, half angrily. "Can you open our prison for us, Canaris?"
The Greek threw a cautious glance toward the door and then whispered in a voice that trembled with emotion: "Nothing is impossible; hope for the best. But stay," he added in sudden fear; "I must have money, or all is lost. Alas! you have none, I am sure."
For answer Guy hastily rose, and, loosening his clothes, unhooked a small buckskin belt. He tore open the end and dropped a stream of golden sovereigns into his hand.
"Here is money!" he cried. "The Arabs overlooked this when they searched me."
The Greek's eyes glittered.
"Give me twenty," he said. "That will be plenty."
He stowed the coins away in his clothes and picked up the lamp.
"I must leave you now," he said. "I will return in the morning."
He would have added more, but steps were heard in the corridor. The dungeon door clanged behind him, and Guy and Melton were left in darkness, half stupefied by the strange story they had just heard and by the hope of escape which the Greek so confidently held out to them.