“On returning to the mountains, monsieur, I hid beside the outbound trail. Hours later, a friend came to me with word that the Athensian spies were starting with an expedition for the oasis, determined to kill Professor Souchard and his man, Ben Hassim, rather than let them escape and bring the world about our ears. “I had a horse. I mounted, and with a bag of food and several water bottles, set out to overtake my friend. Five days I rode, not sparing my horse. Then he dropped dead, and I staggered on the last half day afoot. But the Athensians overtook me. “I was not killed monsieur. I was carried along to the oasis with them. At its edge, the world went black to me.” He paused. “That is all, monsieur. What has happened since, you know better than I.” Mr. Hampton drew a long breath. The spell of the man’s tersely told story had held him enthralled. “They garroted Professor Souchard and Ben Hassim,” he said. The Athensian’s lips compressed. “A trick of the priest clan’s followers for disposing of enemies,” he said. “And you were hit a blow on the back of the head, and left for dead beside them. It was there we found you.” “Ah,” said the other, composedly. “They lied to me. They said my life would be spared.” A long pause followed, during which he raised a languid hand to brush his eyes. “My name, monsieur,” he added, “is Amrath. I have delayed you, but not for long. Go now, and luck be with you. In the Valley of Korakum, should you reach it, you will find true men named Jepthah, Amonasis and Shilluk. Should it be your fortune to meet them, call upon them for help in my name. And now, luck be with you. I shall await your return.” CHAPTER XIII. KORAKUM REACHED. The Athensian’s lengthy conversation palpably had tired him, and Mr. Hampton summoned Allola who had gone to the door of the tent to watch the final stages of the Arabs’ preparations for departure, and ordered her to prepare broth at once for Amrath. He also left with the latter one of his precious bottles of brandy, advising him to sip it sparingly. Good-byes were said, and he was on the point of departure. In fact, already he had left the tent when Allola came running after him, summoning him in dumb show to return.