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"It is not far," he said, in a peculiar, grating voice, "and I am going that way myself. It will take but a few minutes." Osterberg looked inquiringly at George. "All right, come along. You lead the way, old man," said Helmar, "and we will follow."
Helmar objected, and refused to allow the guards to bind his feet. Immediately Abdu's eyes flashed, and he drew a long, keen blade from his belt. "Would you?" he cried between his teeth; "this knife is sharp, so " And he pricked George's hands. Feeling the uselessness of resistance, George allowed the little black wretch to secure his feet, and as it was complete, stooped to sit down.
Ten yards only separated one from the other, while thirty or more separated the Arab from George. Could he get sufficiently near to warn the stranger? Despite the roughness of the road, Helmar slipped his shoes from his feet and hurried along with all possible speed.
"What was he like?" asked George. The doctor described him. There was no doubt about it, it was certainly Mark. "The scoundrel," said Helmar, bitterly, "to think he should disgrace himself in such a manner! Has anything been heard of him since?" "No, we found no trace at all, and I shouldn't be surprised if he made his way into the rebel camp. But come, we must get to business.
"Eh, what?" ejaculated the officer. "How do you mean?" Helmar then explained who and what he was, how he had escaped, and the facts of the mission on which he was now embarked. The officer listened with interest to all he had to say, the varying expression of his face betraying his feelings of surprise and disgust, horror and admiration as his story proceeded.
"Your orders are not very explicit, Helmar," said he, "and probably convey but little to you. Of course, I dare say you know that after yesterday's engagement Arabi has retreated to Kafr Dowar. It is believed he has some thousands gathered under his banner, but we want to be sure. We are going out to gather all information possible, in which work you will be of great assistance to me."
"It is well to think. May Allah guide your thoughts into the right course! Go, and sleep well!" The two young men left Naoum's house and hurried back to the citadel; here Osterberg said good-night, and went back to his own quarters. That night Helmar did not sleep much, over and over again he thought of Naoum's offer, but with each attempt he failed to come to any decision.
Hold that end a minute.... That's it. Now tie it tight ... pull ... hard. Good. I think we've got him safely this time the villain!" These and other ejaculations were the only words passed between the two men as they secured their prisoner with the folds of his own sash. When this was accomplished, the stranger turned to Helmar and held out his hand.
There was the sound of voices not far from where they sat. "By Jove, we must be near a road," said Helmar, as the sound grew louder. "I'm going to reconnoitre." "No, no, let me go!" said the other two in a breath. Without waiting for reply they darted off into the bush, and Helmar was left to himself.
As soon as they were inside, the door closed sharply behind them, and the ominous click of the lock made them both start. Helmar was about to say something, when Mark anticipated him. "Hold on while I strike a light. The beastly wind has blown the door to." This was such palpable nonsense that George expostulated. "There isn't a breath of wind, man. Hurry up with the light!"
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