“And Ras al Had is a fugitive himself. If caught, he will lose his head for killing Hafsa Pasha. Assouan may have feared the sheik before that happened, but fear cannot keep Assouan loyal to Ras al Had now.” Dick realized that this was true. “And do you fancy Assouan would carry Nadia off with the intention of selling her?” “I fear it, partner, and that’s what’s disturbing me a plenty.” Dick thought for some moments on what had taken place. Finally he shook his head decisively. “I am not willing to believe that,” he declared. “Somehow, I am confident that Assouan is faithful as a dog to Ras al Had. He put himself to altogether too much trouble about us, in case he were otherwise. Even after getting Nadia and her brother out of Damascus, he turned back to look for us.” “But he deserted us in the street at a critical moment.” “Because, as he frankly stated, he believed we were lost, and he could do nothing to save us. Had he attempted to do anything, he would have sacrificed himself and left Nadia and Dunbar still helpless in the trap.” “Well, it may be he’s on the square; but it certain seems to me he’s had time to keep his word and show up with Nadia before this.” At this moment there were signs of confusion in the train. The camel drivers in advance halted and uttered strange cries. Others took it up. Those cries produced still greater confusion, which seemed like consternation. “What is it?” asked Brad. Dick shaded his eyes and peered away across the broken waste of desert. “Horsemen!” he exclaimed. “There is a large body of mounted men coming toward us from the north.” “Sure thing,” said the Texan, discerning them. “I wonder if Assouan is going to make good at last!” The horsemen came on rapidly, a tiny cloud of dust rising behind them. Soon they were near enough to enable the men of the camel train to discover an interesting thing concerning them. “Bedouins!” was the cry. Both of the American boys had heard of those desert wanderers and marauders, but now, for the first time, they beheld genuine wild Bedouins at home. The Syrians and Arabs of the train seemed in great fear and consternation, for they saw the approaching body of men outnumbered them, and it was impossible to know the purpose of the wild horsemen. The Bedouins wore loose, flowing garments and hoods on their heads. They were all armed to the teeth, as is the habit of the desert Bedouin. Dick was thrilled by the picturesque spectacle. He had seen pictures of Bedouin riders, and he was forced to confess that he was not disappointed in the real article. The merchants huddled their loaded camels together and waited in helpless suspense for what was to take place. Without waiting for his camel to kneel, Zenas Gunn slid down to the ground, risking both neck and limb, and fell sprawling. He gathered himself up and rushed forward to Dick and Brad. “We’re all going to be murdered!” he spluttered. “Those wretches are going to kill us and plunder the train!”