though she knew that only ruin and desolation marked the spot where
once her happy home had stood, she hoped that by coming to the
broad plain she might eventually reach one of the numerous Waziri
villages that were scattered over the surrounding country, or chance
upon a roving band of these indefatigable huntsmen.

The day was half spent when there broke unexpectedly upon her
startled ears the sound of a rifle shot not far ahead of her. As
she paused to listen, this first shot was followed by another and
another and another. What could it mean? The first explanation
which sprung to her mind attributed the firing to an encounter
between the Arab raiders and a party of Waziri; but as she did
not know upon which side victory might rest, or whether she were
behind friend or foe, she dared not advance nearer on the chance
of revealing herself to an enemy.

After listening for several minutes she became convinced that
no more than two or three rifles were engaged in the fight, since
nothing approximating the sound of a volley reached her ears; but
still she hesitated to approach, and at last, determining to take
no chance, she climbed into the concealing foliage of a tree beside
the trail she had been following and there fearfully awaited whatever
might reveal itself.

As the firing became less rapid she caught the sound of men's voices,
though she could distinguish no words, and at last the reports of
the guns ceased, and she heard two men calling to each other in loud
tones. Then there was a long silence which was finally broken by
the stealthy padding of footfalls on the trail ahead of her, and in
another moment a man appeared in view backing toward her, a rifle