the edge of the cliff; at intervals yawned deep fissures, across which
the wise little Arabian ponies stepped gingerly; and above, outlined in
intense black against the dark sky, were numerous peaks and pinnacles
and castellated summits, such as the Arabs love to people with all
manner of genii and evil spirits of the waste and silent wilderness. It
was a spot likely to be infested with robbers, and Yusuf and his guide
waited in some trepidation while considering what to do.

[Illustration: "Hold!" cried a voice from the air above.--See page 34.]

Presently a dull trampling sounded in the distance. It came nearer and
nearer, and the two lone wanderers on the cliff scarcely dared to
breathe.

The tread of camels was soon discernible, the "Ikh! Ikh!" (the sound
used to make camels kneel) of the camel-drivers rising from the dark
pass below to the ears of the men above. Apparently the party was about
to make a halt in the dark basin; and should it prove to be a band of
hill-robbers, Yusuf and his companion were in a precarious position, for
the slightest sound made by them or their ponies would probably prove
the signal for an onslaught; but by patting and quieting the animals,
they managed to keep their restlessness in check and so waited, scarcely
knowing what to do next.

Ere ten minutes had elapsed, however, the tread of camels was again
heard, and another party came in from the opposite direction, halting at
the other end of the ravine. A call was sounded and at once answered by
the body immediately below. The new-comers advanced, and mutual
recognitions seemed to take place, although Yusuf could distinguish
neither the voices nor the words.