The Athensian revolutionaries ahead were riding at a brisk pace and the distance between decreased slowly. Yet steadily the boys overhauled them until, at the end of a half hour, they were up with the rear ranks. That term, however, is a misnomer, as the revolutionaries had broken ranks and were riding without formation. Jepthah brought his horse alongside Frank’s camel as they drew near and, when the rearmost revolutionaries turned to glance back inquiringly, he called to them in their own tongue. They nodded, and several waved their hands to the boys in airy salute. “Follow me. Let me take the lead,” Jepthah called in English to Frank and Jack. Then he and Amonasis, putting their horses together, passed through the loose ranks of the revolutionaries, with Jack and Frank on their swaying camels close behind. Shilluk and Shedrach, following a quick interchange of words in Athensian with Jepthah, fell back to await the approach of Mr. Hampton and the Arabs. As the boys rode headlong among the revolutionaries, who parted to let them pass, many curious glances were thrown at them. Several times Jepthah or Amonasis called out in Athensian, evidently spreading the announcement of their identity, and frequent salutes were given. As for Jack and Frank, however, they were too busy clinging to their swaying camels to accord acknowledgment in kind. Once through the ranks of the revolutionaries, the boys began glancing anxiously ahead to catch sight of Captain Amanassar’s troop and, perhaps, of the Janissaries with Bob. But neither group was in sight. Was it possible, they asked themselves, that already the pursuit had drawn so far ahead as to be lost to view? Or had the two parties already entered the break in the Mountain Wall of which they had heard so much? Frank could not stand the anxiety without attempting to obtain an answer to these questions and called to Jepthah. After repeated attempts, he managed to obtain the latter’s attention. Jepthah who had drawn considerably ahead, pulled up his horse until Frank came alongside. The latter shouted his queries, and received a shake of the head in reply. “Not out of sight down the desert,” cried Jepthah. “But into the old trail. Follow swiftly. We may be needed.” Before he could spur his horse ahead, Frank called another question: “Do you mean the Janissaries reached the pass ahead of your men?” His voice was filled with horror. “I’m afraid so,” replied Jepthah, with a look of sympathy. “Come on. All is not lost yet.” Leaning forward until he lay on the neck of his splendid horse, he whispered into its ear. The animal already running swiftly seemed to leap ahead, gaining on Amonasis flying along in the lead. Jack had drawn close during this brief conversation carried on in shouts, and had gathered the import of Jepthah’s remarks. “Come on, Frank, come on,” he shouted. “Never say die.”