He found none, but he happened to note the furtive
manner of some among the Arab escort who were hastening toward the
small hollow enclosed by the Seven Hills.
Then he remembered why this solitary place had become a Golgotha. The
hapless von Kerber was disinterring the treasure when the Hadendowa
assault began. In all likelihood, had the free-booters ridden boldly up
in the first instance, the fight would have ended in less minutes than
it had occupied hours. And these other ghouls, before they were driven
off by a hail of lead, had learnt what store of wealth was buried there
beneath the sand.
"Chaytor," said Royson, addressing one of the crew who had acted as
quartermaster on board the yacht, "take three men and mount guard over
any trench or other excavation you may find in the valley between those
mounds. Let no Arab even approach the place. Use force if necessary,
but try and avoid any shooting. I shall join you there before sunset."
"Ay, ay, sir," said Chaytor. He named three men, and the four hurried
to their post.
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