and the gold they sought is in the possession of the Abyssinians.
Even now they are doubtless marching on this camp, for they were
sent by Menelek to punish Achmet Zek and his followers for a raid
upon an Abyssinian village. There are many of them, and if we do
not make haste to escape we shall all suffer the same fate as Achmet
Zek."

Mohammed Beyd listened in silence. How much of the unbeliever's
story he might safely believe he did not know; but as it afforded
him an excuse for deserting the village and making for the north
he was not inclined to cross-question the Belgian too minutely.

"And if I ride north with you," he asked, "half the jewels and half
the ransom of the woman shall be mine?"

"Yes," replied Werper.

"Good," said Mohammed Beyd. "I go now to give the order for the
breaking of camp early on the morrow," and he rose to leave the
tent.

Werper laid a detaining hand upon his arm.

"Wait," he said, "let us determine how many shall accompany us.
It is not well that we be burdened by the women and children, for
then indeed we might be overtaken by the Abyssinians. It would be
far better to select a small guard of your bravest men, and leave
word behind that we are riding WEST. Then, when the Abyssinians
come they will be put upon the wrong trail should they have it in
their hearts to pursue us, and if they do not they will at least