The first definite news of the state of affairs reached the Emir's palace just when a considerable lapse of time had occurred without news, the last being of a kind to create anxiety, the Sheikh coming in from the gate to announce that a messenger had arrived at a gallop to summon the troop of horse, who had gone off leaving their guard looking careworn and anxious, while he forbore to speak. And now the messenger who had suddenly galloped up to the entry, dashed in at once, flung his bridle to the Sheikh as he leapt down, and strode in to where the friends were anxiously waiting. All started and glanced at the open window, where a glimpse could be obtained of Ibrahim, to whom and his camels every thought was turned, as, without intercommunication, the same thought prevailed--flight, and would there be time to obtain their camels and make for the open desert before the victorious enemy arrived? For the messenger, who came looking wild and excited, his flowing white garment covered with blood and dust, was the Hakim's last patient--the Emir's son. CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. ANOTHER PATIENT. The young Baggara chief was evidently in a wild state of excitement, and turned at once to the professor, saying something in his own tongue, which the Englishman struggled hard but failed, in spite of his slight knowledge of the Baggara dialect, fully to grasp. "I can't make him out," said the professor excitedly. "It is something about a terrible battle and defeat." "He means us to escape for our lives," said the doctor excitedly. "Yes, look," he continued, for the young chief pointed to the window, nodded to the speaker, and hurried away. "Quick!" said the professor; "stop for nothing. We must get to the camels, and take our chances." As he spoke the young chief dashed in again, followed by the Sheikh, the panting horse having been handed over to one of the guard; and this time the young man crossed to Frank, laid his left hand upon the young man's shoulder, smiling proudly, and waving his right hand in the air as if cutting with his sword. "The Emir's son bears the news, Excellencies, that there has been a great battle, and that his father and his friends have routed the rebellious ones, who have taken to flight, leaving many killed and wounded, and among these there is the Emir's greatest friend. He has been shot by a gun and is dying, but the Emir bids you be ready to bring him back to life, for he is like a brother and saved him from his treacherous foes." "That's a modest demand for one evening, Robert, my son," said the professor, with a quaintly humorous look. "How do you feel?" "As if I had been raising the expectations of these people till the time had come for their hopes to be dashed."