So Dick and Irene missed that agreeable watch under the stars, and
their thoughts, instead of being given to each other, were centered on
the unlucky fortune-hunters whom accident or design had separated from
them.
Yet, when the sun rose over the desert, it was exhilarating enough to
find themselves riding side by side once more. The order of march was
simple but well designed. Abdur Kad'r, in command of several Arabs on
Bisharin camels, provided a mounted screen half a mile in front.
Fenshawe, Royson and Irene, with some of the sailors, formed the
advance guard. Then came the _kafila_ proper, with the remainder of the
_Aphrodite's_ crew, under Stump's charge, as a rearguard. They had
halted for breakfast, and were preparing for another long march before
the heat of the sun enforced a rest, when Hussain overtook them. At
eight o'clock Alfieri had not visited the _rendezvous_, nor was he to
be seen an hour later from the summit of the last hill which gave a
view of the oasis.
Ill news is little the better because it is expected, and every one was
wishful to push on as quickly as possible.
Pages:
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425