in two arms that enclosed the whole plain of Fung. By now this lake
would be full, swollen with rains that fell on the hills of Northern
Africa, and the space between it and the Mur range nothing but an
impassable swamp.

Being still unsatisfied, Orme inquired whether, if we abandoned the
camels, we could not then climb the precipice down which the embassy
had descended. To this the answer, which I corroborated, was that if
our approach were known and help given to us from above, it might be
possible, provided that we threw away the loads.

"Seeing what these loads are, and the purpose for which we have brought
them so far, that is out of the question," said Orme. "Therefore, tell
us at once, Shadrach, how we are to win through the Fung to Mur."

"In one way only, O son of Orme, should it be the will of God that we do
so at all; by keeping ourselves hidden during the daytime and marching
at night. According to their custom at this season, to-morrow, after
sunset, the Fung hold their great spring feast in the city of Harmac,
and at dawn go up to make sacrifice to their idol. But after sunset
they eat and drink and are merry, and then it is their habit to withdraw
their guards, that they may take part in the festival. For this reason
I have timed our march that we should arrive on the night of this feast,
which I know by the age of the moon, when, in the darkness, with God's
help, perchance we may slip past Harmac, and at the first light find
ourselves in the mouth of the road that runs up to Mur. Moreover, I will
give warning to my people, the Abati, that we are coming, so that they
may be at hand to help us if there is need."

"How?" asked Orme.