protect me from them, for you, too, hate them. In return I will
take service with you. I am a trained soldier. I can fight, and
your enemies are my enemies."

Achmet Zek eyed the European in silence. In his mind he revolved
many thoughts, chief among which was that the unbeliever lied. Of
course there was the chance that he did not lie, and if he told the
truth then his proposition was one well worthy of consideration,
since fighting men were never over plentiful--especially white men
with the training and knowledge of military matters that a European
officer must possess.

Achmet Zek scowled and Werper's heart sank; but Werper did not know
Achmet Zek, who was quite apt to scowl where another would smile,
and smile where another would scowl.

"And if you have lied to me," said Achmet Zek, "I will kill you
at any time. What return, other than your life, do you expect for
your services?"

"My keep only, at first," replied Werper. "Later, if I am worth
more, we can easily reach an understanding." Werper's only desire
at the moment was to preserve his life. And so the agreement was
reached and Lieutenant Albert Werper became a member of the ivory
and slave raiding band of the notorious Achmet Zek.

For months the renegade Belgian rode with the savage raider. He
fought with a savage abandon, and a vicious cruelty fully equal
to that of his fellow desperadoes. Achmet Zek watched his recruit
with eagle eye, and with a growing satisfaction which finally found