On reaching the opening, and seeing Terence and the Krooman lying bound upon the floor, the young Englishman started back, and struggled to free himself from the grasp of the hand that had hold of him. His efforts only resulted in his being instantly flung to the earth, and fast held by his powerful adversary, who at the same time was also employed in protecting his victim from the fury of Fatima. Terence, Harry, and the Krooman were now conducted back over the ground, and placed in their former position in the row, from which they had been temporarily taken. Sailor Bill and Colin were next treated in a similar fashion, both being fast bound like their companions. "What does the ould divil mane?" asked Bill, when Golah was tying his hands together. "Will he murder us all?" "No," answered the Krooman. "He no kill but one of your party." His eyes turned upon Colin as he spoke. "Colin! Colin!" exclaimed Harry; "see what you have done by opposing our plan! We are all helpless now." "And so much the better for yourself," answered Colin. "You will now suffer no further harm." "If he means no harm, why has he bound us?" asked Bill. "It's a queer way of showing friendship." "Yes, but a safe one," answered Colin. "You cannot now bring yourselves into danger by a foolish resistance to his will." Terence and Harry understood Colin's meaning; and now, for the first time, comprehended the reason why they had been bound. It was to prevent them from interfering with Golah's plans for the disposal of his two victims. Now that the white slaves were secured, no danger was apprehended from the others; and the two who had been guarding them retired to the shade of a tent to refresh themselves with a drink of cheni. While the brief conversation above related was being held, Golah had become busily engaged in overhauling the lading of one of his camels. The object of search was soon discovered; for, the moment after, he came towards them carrying a long Moorish spade. Two of the black slaves were then called from the line; the spade was placed in the hands of one, and a wooded dish was given to the other. They were then ordered to make a large hole in the sand; to accomplish which they at once set to work. "They are digging a grave for me, or that of the poor woman, perhaps for both of us?" suggested Colin, as he calmly gazed on the spectacle. His companions had no doubt but that it was as he had said; and sat contemplating the scene in melancholy silence. While the slaves were engaged in scooping up the hole, Golah called the two guards; and gave them some orders about continuing the journey. The blacks set about the work were but a few minutes in making an excavation in the loose sand of some four feet in depth. They were then directed to dig another. "It's all over with me," said Colin; "he intends to kill two, and of course I must be one of them."