“They’ll wonder what has become of us,” said Jepthah. “I’ll give them a call.” Rising, he put one hand over his mouth and emitted a peculiar call, obviously an understood signal, for immediately the sound of hoofbeats ceased as the horses came abreast of the plateau. Then the screen of bushes parted and Shilluk and Shedrach pushed their way into the grassy enclosure toward the rear to which the party had retired. A rapid conversation between Shilluk and Jepthah, carried on in Athensian, followed. Turning to Mr. Hampton, Jepthah betrayed an anxious face. “I’ll not seek to hide your son’s danger from you,” he said. “Shilluk reports that before he could reach Captain Amanassar the latter had sighted a party of horsemen in the distance, apparently heading for the other entrance through the Great Mountain Wall. He set out in pursuit at once with a score of our number comprising the best mounted, leaving the others to follow more at leisure. This Shilluk learned from the main body, which already proceeded a short distance into the desert, but which he overtook.” “But, Bob—” began Mr. Hampton, when Jepthah interrupted. “I know, sir, how you must feel,” he said, sympathetically. “Yet Captain Amanassar will do his utmost to aid, just as if he knew the circumstances of your son’s captivity. You see, from the main body Shilluk gathered that Captain Amanassar believed our troop had been sighted, and that it was on that account the raiders headed for the other road. He recognized them as of the Janissaries, and will do his utmost to cut them off to prevent word of our approach reaching Athensi. Not but what the Oligarchs, whose spies riddle the country, will hear soon enough,” he concluded bitterly. “Mr. Hampton, you’ve just got to let us go at once,” broke in Frank. “I’ll go crazy if I don’t have a hand in this. Poor old Bob.” He was unable to continue because of a lump that rose in his throat. The elder man’s hand dropped on his shoulder. “What do you say?” he asked Jepthah. “Won’t your friends be surprised if these young fellows come dashing along on camels?” “If you are willing,” said Jepthah, “you shall all come. Shilluk and Shedrach already have prepared some of our comrades for sight of your party, and they will have spread the word. All will be eager to have your aid, and equally eager to aid your son if possible. We heartily detest the holding of the Sacrificial Games, which is a part of the detestable religious practices kept alive by the Oligarchs. Come, then, at once. Leave your equipment here.” “Quick, Jack,” cried Frank. His comrade nodded. They were first of the troop to mount, and soon were flying down the Great Road with the four Athensians, their camels moving at a pace that astonished the horsemen. Not far behind them came Mr. Hampton, Ali and the Arabs. CHAPTER XVII. THE FIGHT FOR THE PASS.