"Yes, too late," echoed Harry; "and I wish that he had obtained possession in the place of our present master; we should then have all come together again. But what are we to think of this last turn of Fortune's wheel?" "I am rather pleased at it," answered Colin. "A while ago we were in despair because the Moor had bought us. That was a mistake. If he had not done so, you, Harry, would have been killed." "Bill!" added the young Scotchman, turning to the sailor, "what are you dreaming about?" "Nothink," answered Bill, "I'm no goin' to drame or think any mair." "We are agwine straight for Swearah," observed the Krooman, as he spoke glancing towards the north-west. "That is true," exclaimed Harry, looking in the same direction. "Can it be that we are to be taken to Mogador, after all? If so, there is hope for us yet." "But Bo Muzem could find no one there who would pay the money for our ransom," interposed Colin. "He nebba go thar," said the Krooman. "He nebba hab de time." "I believe the Krooman is right," said Harry. "We have been told that Mogador is four days' journey from here; and the merchant was gone but six days." The conversation of the slaves was here interrupted by the Moors, who kept constantly urging them to greater speed. The night came on very dark, but Rais Mourad would not allow them to move at a slower pace. Sailor Bill, being as he declared unused to "navigate any sort o' land craft", could only keep his seat on the animal he bestrode, by allowing it to follow the others, while he clutched its mane with a firm grasp of both hands. The journey was continued until near midnight; when the old sailor, unable any longer to endure the fatigue, managed to check the pace of his animal and dismount. The Moors endeavoured to make him proceed, but were unsuccessful. Bill declared that should he again be placed on the horse, he should probably fall off and break his neck. This was communicated to Rais Mourad, who had turned back in a rage to inquire the cause of the delay. It was the Krooman who acted as interpreter. The Moor's anger immediately subsided on learning that one of the slaves could speak Arabic. "Do you and your companions wish for freedom?" asked Rais Mourad, addressing himself to the Krooman. "We pray for it every hour." "Then tell that foolish man that freedom is not found here, that to obtain it he must move on along with me." The Krooman made the communication as desired. "I don't want to hear any more about freedom," answered Bill; "I've 'eard enough av it. If any on 'em is goin' to give us a chance for our liberty, let 'em do it without so many promises." The old sailor remained obstinate. Neither entreaties nor threats could induce him to go farther; and Rais Mourad gave orders to his followers to halt upon the spot, saying that he should stay there for the remainder of the night. The halt was accordingly made, and a temporary camp established.