Faster and faster they sped over the plain, until the tumult behind them was lost in the muffled tramp of the camels’ hoofs. They rode side by side, with arms ready for instant use, but no foe appeared in front or behind, and at last, with a glad cry, Canaris pointed to the distant gleam of the Abyssinian camp.
“We are safe now,” exclaimed Guy. “The Gallas feared to pursue us any further lest their anticipated attack on the Abyssinians should be spoiled.”
“Yes,” replied Canaris, “either that or they have circled round, hoping to cut us off at yonder gap in the mountains where the road breaks through to the coast. And now the rock must be close by. Ha! What does that mean?”
Bang! went a rifle shot directly ahead, and a brief red flash pierced the gloom.
“It is Forbes!” cried Chutney. “He is in danger. Quick, quick, to the rescue.”
A loud shout followed closely on the heels of the report, and recognizing Melton’s voice, Guy, lost to all sense of prudence, cried aloud:
“Don’t give in Forbes; we are coming.”
An answering hail came distinctly back, followed immediately by a second shot.
The agony of suspense was brief. A moment later the rock loomed into view, and the panting camels came to a halt before the entrance to the cavern.
“Oh, you’ve come back safe?” exclaimed Melton coolly, as he came forward with a smoking rifle in his hand. “I’ve had a brush with a party of Abyssinians. They were hunting their camels, I suppose, and took me by surprise. I dropped one of the rascals, and—— Look out! There they are again.”