"I have already told you that he has been killed," answered the chief. "And I continue to disbelieve you," said M. Périères. "Did you not tell me that both were dead? You knew to the contrary, just as well as you know now where to lay your hands on the one I seek." "Seek away," said the chief, laughing. "I will open out a passage for you to our tents." "To enclose us between that species of wall and your men? Not a bit of it! Lead on and we will follow you." The chief, without moving, laughed aloud and honoured M. Périères with an insolent stare, whilst all his men commenced to brandish their spears and lay hold of their guns. The young Frenchman, more and more self-possessed, but determined, in the perilous position in which he was placed, to strike some blow which should either kill or cure all, leaned towards Ali and gave him an order. The interpreter was not sufficiently master of himself to hide his astonishment, so dangerous and difficult of execution did the order seem. But he made ready to obey. The chief was still in front, some paces from his men. Then M. Périères, half turning in his saddle towards the escort, said, the Bedouins of course not understanding a word— "Put away your revolvers, and when you see me advance, take your guns and aim steadily at the men who are nearest to the chief. Ready!" A few seconds passed away, and then, without it being possible for any one to foresee the movement, M. Périères and Ali made their horses clear at one bound the gap which separated them from the Bedouin chief, on whom they threw themselves on either side, to the right and left, and, holding their pistols to his head, they seized the bridle of his horse and dragged him back with them. At the same time, the other five Europeans, carrying out the order of M. Périères, aimed steadily at the nearest Bedouins, thus startling them to such an extent and paralyzing them so completely that they were unable, in the first moment of confusion, to rush to the assistance of their chief. This novel plan of operations had, indeed, been so rapidly carried out that not only the Nomads but their adversaries themselves were bewildered. But the moment the former had recovered from their surprise, they in turn levelled their guns at the Europeans. The two interpreters then advanced and declared that, if the Bedouins made one step forward, or fired a single shot, their chief would be put to death before their very eyes. He, at the same time, was disarmed, in spite of his resistance, and held fast in the front rank of the little troop by two sailors. As for M. Périères, he calmly took out of his pocket a box of matches and a cigar, and as he lighted it, said to M. Delange—