At the utmost, it was three miles
distant, and Hussain's presence early in the forenoon would be more
readily accounted for if he put in an appearance on a camel that was
obviously leg-weary.
Royson had given the man explicit instructions. If questioned, he was
to state the actual facts--that an Englishman and himself, with one
other Arab, had made a forced march from the nearest oasis, that his
exhausted companions were resting at no great distance, and that he
purposed returning to them with a replenished water-bag and some food
for their camels. But, amid the bustle of a large encampment, it was
more than likely that his arrival would pass unnoticed save by his
brother Arabs. In that event, he could satisfy their curiosity without
going into details, ascertain whether or not Abdullah the Spear-thrower
was among them, and, by keeping his eyes and ears open, learn a good
deal as to the progress effected by Alfieri in the work of exploration.
By hook or by crook, he must endeavor to return before sundown--if
accompanied by Abdullah, so much the better.
Pages:
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356