Taking leave of the mother he joined Sana outdoors. They chatted a while, making plans for a trip on horseback the following day. After Carl had gone, Sana was told by her mother that she was sorry that she had read Carl’s future and warned Sana of the danger ahead. While Sana believed devoutly in her mother, she dismissed the fear that harm might come to herself, but she was worried in regard to Carl. Upon learning of the proposed excursion into the desert the following day, her mother tried to persuade Sana not to go, but the girl only answered, “If it is predicted that certain things will happen, they will happen; all one can do is to await the time and take it good naturedly.” Arguments were useless, for Sana simply said, “Your reading of the future would not be of any value if the happenings you predict could be prevented in time,” adding, with a little smile, “You don’t want to be considered a faker, do you dear?” To which there was no answer. CHAPTER VIII IN THE CLUTCHES OF AN AMOROUS CAVE MAN Sana in breeches and short riding jacket, stood at the side of her restless steed when Carl arrived on horseback. It was an ideal day for an outing and spiritedly they trotted off to the desert. Sana was radiantly happy at the prospect of enjoying the freedom of the desert with her lover. Too soon, far too soon, he would have to leave her and she was glad to have him alone for the day. Her horse, the white Arab, was an exceptionally fine but nervous beast. Carl’s mount was a tame mare in comparison and Sana teased him, saying, “I bet that you cannot catch up with me.” “All right. I’ll bet you a kiss,” Carl retorted. “But if I win?” “It will suit me.” “But if I lose?” “That will suit me also.” “I must say, you are some sport, Carl. Don’t you want to hold the stakes too, so that you will surely be on the safe side?” With that she chuckled to her horse and it leaped ahead with wide swinging strides, leaving Carl to follow suit. Try as he would, it was a useless task. He had to content himself with the dust clouds from the flying heels of the Arab, as it carried Sana far ahead over the burning sands. A few miles of this and Sana slowed up a bit, so that Carl might catch up with her. With a smile she reminded him of his lost wager, which Carl promptly paid her with interest. Proceeding again, they moved swiftly northward over the level plain. Here and there they came upon an isolated group of palm trees and small bushes, partly burned up by the hot rays of the desert sun. Otherwise, there was nothing but sand before them and a clear cloudless sky overhead. But the sand and the heat mattered not to the lovers, as riding side by side, they paved the road of their future with bricks of shining gold! At last it was time for them to turn back. Sana knew of a shorter route home and suggested that they take it. [Illustration: Enjoying the freedom of the great desert, they paved the road of their future with bricks of shining gold.]