her riding-boots. But she raised them now and looked up with a great
content in them. It was the happiest day of her life. She had forgotten
the quarrel with Aubrey. She had put from her the chain of ideas
suggested by the passing caravan. There was nothing discordant to
disturb the perfect harmony of her mind.

A shade beside her made her turn her head. Mustafa Ali salaamed
obsequiously. "It is time to start, Mademoiselle."

Diana looked up in surprise and then back over her shoulder at the
escort. The men were already mounted. The smile faded from her eyes.
Mustafa Ali was guide, but she was head of this expedition; if her
guide had not realised this he would have to do so now. She glanced at
the watch on her wrist.

"There is plenty of time," she said coolly.

Mustafa Ali salaamed again. "It is a long ride to reach the oasis where
we must camp to-night," he insisted hurriedly.

Diana crossed one brown boot over the other, and scooping up some sand
in the palm of her hand trickled it through her fingers slowly. "Then
we can ride faster," she replied quietly, looking at the shining
particles glistening in the sun.

Mustafa Ali made a movement of impatience and persisted doggedly.
"Mademoiselle would do well to start."

Diana looked up swiftly with angry eyes. Under the man's suave manner
and simple words a peremptory tone had crept into his voice. She sat