"I tell you it's madness," expostulated Colin. "Wait till we see what he intends doing. Perhaps he'll keep me awhile for future vengeance; and ye may have a chance of a rescue when there are not two men standing over us ready to blow our brains out." Colin's companion saw there was truth in this remark; and for awhile they waited in silence, with their eyes fixed upon the tent of the sheik. They had not long to wait, for soon after Golah came forth, having finished his consultation with Fatima. On his face appeared a hideous smile, a smile that made most of those who beheld it shudder with a sensation of horror. CHAPTER FIFTY. A LIVING GRAVE. Golah's first act after coming forth was to take some thongs from his saddle. Having done this, he beckoned to the two who guarded the slaves, giving them some admonition in an unknown tongue. The effect was to excite their greater vigilance. The muzzles of their muskets were turned towards the white captives, and they seemed anxiously waiting the order to fire. Golah then looked towards Terence, and made a sign for the young Irishman to get up and come towards him. Terence hesitated. "Go on, Terry," muttered Colin. "He don't mean you any harm." At this instant Fatima stepped out from the tent, armed with her husband's scimitar, and apparently anxious for an opportunity of using it. Acting under the advice of the others, Terence sprang to his feet, and advanced to the spot where the sheik was standing. The Krooman who spoke English was then called up; and Golah, taking him and the midshipman each by a hand, led them into his tent, whither they were followed by Fatima. The sheik now addressed a few words to the Krooman, who then told Terence that his life depended on perfect obedience to Golah's orders. His hands were to be tied, and he must not call out so as to be heard by the others. "He say," said the Krooman, "if you no make fight, and no make noise, he no kill you." The man further counselled Terence to submit quietly, saying the least resistance would lead to all the white slaves being killed. Though possessing more than average strength and power for a youth of his age, Terence knew that, in a strife with the gigantic black sheik, he would not have the slightest chance of being victor. Should he shout to his companions, and have them all act in concert, as they had already proposed? No. Such an act would most likely lead to two of them being shot, to the third having his brains knocked out with the butt-end of a musket; and to the fourth, himself, being strangled in the powerful grasp of Golah, if not beheaded with the scimitar in the hands of Fatima. On reflection, the young Scotchman yielded, and permitted his hands to be tied behind his back! so, too, did the Krooman. Golah now stepped out of the tent, and immediately after returned, leading Harry Blount along with him.