It was more than likely that no such mixed
gathering of men and animals had taken that road since the destruction
of forests converted the country into a wilderness. The party from the
yacht numbered eighteen; there were fifty Bedawi Arabs in attendance on
a hundred camels; eight horses, Arabs or Somali ponies, each required a
syce, while the sheikh who had brought the caravan from Pajura was
overlord of a score of hangers-on who figured in his list as servants.
A thin haze of dust rose as this regiment advanced. In that wonderful
light its progress might be marked twenty miles away by keen eyes. The
girl watched it silently for a time, while Royson, knowing the manner
in which the camp would be formed, picketed the two horses so as not to
interfere with the general arrangements.
Then he lit a cigarette and rejoined Irene.
"How far distant is the head of the caravan now?" she asked.
"Nearly two miles. It looks more like two furlongs," said he, divining
her thought, for it was easy to discern Mrs.
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