"Yes, Excellency. He will be sure to ask." "Good," said Frank, and the old man went out without another word, while Frank coolly prepared for his short journey by putting on the rich robe that had been given to him, and buckling on his sword and knife, finishing off with a handsome turban of the kind the desert warriors wore. "Here is Ibrahim back," said the professor, as he saw the old man reappear before Frank was ready. "He is coming to say that you cannot have a horse." "But he has gone to get his camel ready all the same," said Frank, smiling, and about a quarter of an hour later the Arab that Frank rode was led ambling up to the door of their quarters by one of the guard. The young man turned to give his friends a calm, smiling look of triumph, as he walked towards the window to glance at his steed. The next moment his countenance fell. For he had seen the gate from where he stood, and there, as if ready to accompany him wherever he went alone, was the chief guard, already mounted, and behind them, ready too and well-armed, were half a dozen men. "Ah!" said the doctor, with a sigh. "I feared there would be something like this." "Yes," said the professor; "they have us safely, and do not mean to let us go." "The young chief must have left word," said Frank bitterly, as he ground his teeth. "Of course, then, you give it up now?" said the professor quickly. "No," said Frank firmly, "I am going to start--at once." The lips of both his friends parted as if to utter a protest, but there was something so determined in Frank's eyes, so stern and set about the lines of his mouth, that they forbore, and the doctor spoke gently-- "Very well, Frank, lad," he said gravely; "you have had far more experience among these people in the city than I have, and you know the need of caution. Take care; a slip may mean destruction now we have climbed so near the pinnacle of our hopes. I will say no more than this--Go, and Heaven protect you." "Yes," said the professor earnestly, and he held out his hand. Frank grasped it firmly, and that of the doctor, who took his left, all three standing silently for a few minutes. Then Frank turned to go, but hesitated for a moment or two, for the professor was running his eye over him critically. "What is it?" said the younger man. "I was looking to see if there is anything about you that might raise suspicion." "Well?" "Nothing, my lad. I have had years of dealings with the people, and I should never take you for anything but a native of the desert." Frank nodded, and was mute again, as he walked out and across the path to where his horse was waiting the beautiful animal whinnying softly in token of recognition, and stretching out its velvety muzzle for the caress that was always given and enjoyed. The next minute the rider was in the saddle, with the Arab tossing its head and ambling gently beneath him. CHAPTER THIRTY SIX. THE REACTION.