Nevertheless, in a few seconds he made out the hoods of four
men who were peering over the crest which separated the small valley
from the larger one. They disappeared, and, while Royson and Abdur
Kad'r were speculating on the motive that inspired this espionage, the
hoods came in sight again, but this time they had the regular swing
that betokened camel-riders. The four halted on the sky-line, and
seemingly exchanged signals with others in the fear. Then they resumed
their advance. They were fully armed; they carried their guns across
the saddle-bow, and Dick saw that their cloaks were rather differently
fashioned to those which he had taken note of hitherto.
"Hadendowas!" murmured Abdur Kad'r. "They are good fighters, Effendi,
but born thieves. And how many ride behind? Not for twenty years have I
met Hadendowas on this track."
The Arab's keen eyes did not cease to glare fixedly beyond the ridge.
Soon he whispered again:
"They may not have seen us, Effendi, but we must be ready for them. Go
you, and lead our camels into the hollow there," and he thrust his chin
towards the seaward base of the hill.
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