"Stop! for heaven's sake stop!" cried the girl, and, sick with fear for her miserable brother, she fell forward on the Turkish table, and on her outstretched arms, not insensible, but nearly so. By this time the Desert was crowded with people, and many were wandering aimlessly here and there near at hand. Camels were grunting, mules squealing, Arabs shrieking, nautch-girls were dancing, and the busy, glittering life of pleasure hummed everywhere with feverish persistency. Osip, rather amazed at what he took to be Baird's unmanly weakness, was about to stoop and raise "him," when he saw Ackworth running rapidly forward. He did not know the soldier, but saw that some man was bearing straight down on him. "A trap--a trap," said Osip, with a glare at Clarice, and she overheard. "No! no!" she gasped, with a last effort, "but I am a woman--Baird's sister!" "Damn!" breathed Osip, thoroughly taken aback, and casting one fearful look around at the people, whose attention was now attracted, he slipped away amongst the crowd. Anthony raced up, breathless. "What has he done? Let me give the alarm. He must be----" Clarice clutched his arm desperately, and raised herself to her feet. "No, no! for my sake--for Ferdy's--for--" and then she fainted in earnest. "The heat--the heat," said Ackworth, sharply, to an officious attendant. "My friend--ill-health--delicate boy. I'll look after him. Get out, clear the way, damn you." And the crowd, accepting the natural excuse, fell back. CHAPTER XXIV FERDINAND BAIRD AT BAY The next day, late in the afternoon, Clarice sat in the drawing-room of The Laurels, waiting for the arrival of several people. It was a very wet day, and the rain beat drowsily against the windows. Through the streaming panes she could see the dull grey skies, the leafless gardens, and the soaking lawns, dismal and depressing. With a sigh, the girl thought how the hopeless weather resembled her life at the present moment. Her brother was in danger of arrest, and even if he were not arrested, how could she have anything to do with him again, when he was practically a murderer? Even now, and in spite of Zara's evidence, as reported by Osip, the girl could not bring herself to believe that Ferdy had actually struck the blow. But only from his own lips could she hear the truth--that is if he could be induced to speak it, and she was anxiously waiting for him to be brought over from Gattlinsands by Ackworth. Until Clarice accused him herself, she and Anthony had arranged that Ferdy should be left in ignorance that the secrets of his life had been discovered. Also a telegram had been sent to Sir Daniel Jerce, asking him to come down on especial business, and he likewise was ignorant of the true significance of the message. Finally, Mr. Clarke was expected.