They tore down the hill, lumbered across the
dried-up bed of a long-vanished torrent, and pressed up the further
side. As they neared the ridge, four rifle shots rang out, and Dick saw
three little spurts of dust and stones kick up in front on the right,
while a white spatter suddenly shone on a dark rock to the left.
"Faster!" he roared to Abdur Kad'r. "They cannot both ride and fire. In
the next wady we shall be safe. Bend to it, my friend. Your reward will
be great, and measured only by your haste in bringing me back to our
camp."
CHAPTER XVI
A FLIGHT--AND A FIGHT
Mrs. Haxton was no laggard in her hammock on the day after Royson's
departure from the camp, but, early riser though she was, Irene was up
and dressed when the older woman came to her tent and asked if she
might have a word with her. In fact, Irene had not undressed at all the
previous night. When she tore herself from Dick's arms, she hurried
back to the oasis, it is true, but only to draw a chair out into the
open, and sit there under the stars, dreaming the dreams of a girl to
whom the heaven of love has just thrown wide its portals.
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