Though he was as much a robber as themselves they had no sympathy with him, and would not be satisfied with merely a share of his plunder. They professed to understand all his doings in the past, and accused him of not being a fair trader. They told him that he never came upon the desert with merchandise to exchange, but only with camels, to be driven away laden with property, justly belonging to them, the real owners of the land. They denied his being a true believer in the Prophet, and concluded their talk by declaring that he should be thankful for the liberal terms they had offered him. Golah's opposition to their proposal became so demonstrative that the Arabs were obliged to disarm and bind him, though this was not accomplished without a fierce struggle in which several of his adversaries were overthrown. A blow on the head with a stock of a musket at length reduced him to subjection, after which his hands were fast tied behind his back. During the struggle, Golah's son was prevented from interfering in behalf of his father by the black slaves who had been so long the victims of his cruel care; while the brother-in-law, as well as Fatima and the third wife, remained passive spectators of the scene. On Golah being secured, the white slaves with Old Bill at their head came up and voluntarily surrendered themselves to their new masters. Colin had in his hands the bowl of water, and the dried figs that had been placed beside it. Advancing towards Golah he held the figs up before his eyes, and then, with a nod and an expression that seemed to say, "Thank you for this," he raised the bowl to his lips with the intention of drinking. The expression upon the sheik's features became satanic, but suddenly changed into a glance of pleasure as one of the Arabs snatched the vessel out of Colin's hands and instantly drank off its contents. Colin received the lesson meekly, and said not a word. The Arabs speedily commenced making arrangements for leaving the place. The first move was to establish a communication between Golah and the saddle of one of his camels. This was accomplished by using a rope as a medium; and the black giant was compelled to walk after the animal with his hands tied behind him, in the same fashion as he had lately set for Sailor Bill. His wives and slaves seemed to comprehend the change in their fortunes; and readily adapted their conduct to the circumstances. The greatest transformation of all was observable in the behaviour of the favourite Fatima. Since his capture, she had kept altogether aloof from her late lord, and showed not the slightest sympathy for his misfortunes. By her actions she seemed to say, "The mighty Golah has fallen, and is no longer worthy of my distinguished regard."