THE SLAVE PRISON.
The Emir’s reply was brief and apparently forcible. He clapped his hands, and half a dozen soldiers appeared instantly. He addressed them with a word or two, but before they could execute his orders, Guy hastened forward and said to the Arab, “I pray you have my friend’s wound dressed. He is suffering much pain.”
The Arab addressed the Emir, pointing to the wounded man, and then, turning to Guy, he said, “It is well. Rao Khan will see to the Inglis man.”
Guy would have sought more information, but the soldiers now came forward and picking Melton up motioned Guy to follow them. They passed out of the apartment by a rear door, and traversing a long hall, entered a big courtyard.
On the right and left were high stone walls, and directly opposite was a low, gloomy sandstone structure, with one narrow door opening on the court.
Here were standing more armed guards, who obsequiously opened the door for the approaching captives.
As they passed through the gloomy portal Guy’s heart sank. His eyes at first could see nothing but darkness, and he blindly followed his conductors until they came to a stop. A heavy door was closed and bolted behind him, and then all was silent.
In a few seconds he was able to see his surroundings. He was in a square dungeon, lighted by a narrow aperture high up in the wall. The floor was of stone, strewn with straw. Melton sat up and leaned against the wall.
“Where are we, Chutney?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” answered Guy; “in some sort of prison, I suppose. Why—hello, Melton, here are iron rings sunk in the floor all along the side.”