disturb it where it lies, for we shall leave none alive who knows
of its existence.

"And the woman?" asked Werper.

"I shall sell her in the north," replied the raider. "It is the
only way, now. She should bring a good price."

The Belgian nodded. He was thinking rapidly. If he could persuade
Achmet Zek to send him in command of the party which took Lady
Greystoke north it would give him the opportunity he craved to make
his escape from his chief. He would forego a share of the gold,
if he could but get away unscathed with the jewels.

He knew Achmet Zek well enough by this time to know that no member of
his band ever was voluntarily released from the service of Achmet
Zek. Most of the few who deserted were recaptured. More than once
had Werper listened to their agonized screams as they were tortured
before being put to death. The Belgian had no wish to take the
slightest chance of recapture.

"Who will go north with the woman," he asked, "while we are returning
for the gold that the Waziri buried by the bungalow of the Englishman?"

Achmet Zek thought for a moment. The buried gold was of much greater
value than the price the woman would bring. It was necessary to
rid himself of her as quickly as possible and it was also well to
obtain the gold with the least possible delay. Of all his followers,
the Belgian was the most logical lieutenant to intrust with the
command of one of the parties. An Arab, as familiar with the trails