"I thought she would recover soon," broke in Abdullah. "Now, monsieur, at all costs we must reach the town. The hour grows late. Ride on!" It was remarkable, to say the least, that one who was willing to face unknown odds in order to effect the girl's rescue should be so desperately anxious now to get away from a rather improbable pursuit. Yet again, the Arab's suggestion offered the only practicable course, and Moti had to bear a double load while they slowly climbed the hill down which they dashed so precipitately before they came upon the disabled vehicle. This time, Dick managed to seat his fair partner more comfortably. He placed himself well back against the cantle, lifted Irene across his knees, and drew her right arm around his neck. Once more she sighed. Dick feared it was the preliminary to another collapse, until she whispered in delightful confidence: "I remember now, Mr. Royson. I suppose I fainted. How good you are to me!" "Now, may Heaven be praised that you are all right again," breathed Dick fervently. "You gave me the biggest sort of fright when you nearly dropped on the road." "Have we far to go before we reach the hotel?" "Several miles. It took us about three-quarters of an hour to overtake you, and we came at a rare pace." "I am sure I must be making your arm ache." She tried to straighten herself, and Royson missed the warm fragrance of her hair against his cheek. "I really think you ought not to move," said he, with an affectation of brotherly solicitude that did him credit. "Well, if I am not wearying you," she murmured, and the pretty head nestled contentedly on his shoulder. Then, it may be, she thought that if necessity demanded this lover-like pose, she ought to redeem its literalness by conversation. "Who is your Arab friend who speaks French so well?" she asked. "It _was_ French I heard, was it not? And how in the world did you manage to find out where I was taken to?" "You must thank our companion for that. I happened to meet Stump near the telegraph-office, and we saw a disturbance in the main street near the hotel. We hurried up, little imagining that it affected you, and several precious minutes elapsed before we discovered that you were missing. Mr. Fenshawe--" "Ah, poor, darling grandad! I hardly dare ask you how he bore it. I grieved more for him than for myself. You see, I knew it was all a wretched mistake. Those horrid men meant to carry off Mrs. Haxton." "I gathered as much from what Mr. Fenshawe said. Of course, he was very greatly distressed, but, if matters go well with us now, you will be restored to him in another hour." "I have no fear of anything when you are near, Mr. Royson. Something told me that long ago. And that is why I was vexed with you for leaving me this afternoon." Dick's heart gave a great throb of joy, and his voice was somewhat husky as he answered: