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To a man of Mark's cruel and villainous disposition this was sufficient, and he had made up his mind to leave no stone unturned to humble and ruin his former friend. Well, time would show if he were to succeed. As these thoughts passed through Helmar's mind, a grim, set look of determination came into the young man's handsome face, that boded ill for the success of his enemy's plans.
But, with better practical experience of the East, he did not share Helmar's view of the matter; he looked upon the Pasha's visit as of evil omen, to be treated with suspicion to be watched with a lynx eye, and combatted with all the subtle means so dear to the Eastern heart. He vowed that if aught of evil befell his friend and protégé, some one should pay dearly for it.
As soon as this was settled, the party once more saddled up and continued their journey. Hakesh was made to mount behind Helmar's saddle, and in this uncomfortable position the poor old man clung to him for support. "I can never thank you sufficiently for saving my life," said he, as they rode slowly along.
Helmar's curiosity now grew keener, and so engrossed was he for the time in the man's stealthy movements that he forgot the real object of his waiting. Consequently he failed to observe that the European had come out of the house he had a few minutes previously entered. Suddenly the figure of a crouching Arab darted from the shadow and walked swiftly and silently up the street.
"You are no good believer, Belbeis," he cried, in angry tones. "This dog of a priest is harmful. If our master knew what you say, you would rot in prison. No, he must die nobody will be the wiser, and we shall get reward. Think, the great Pasha will make us all rich, and Allah will be pleased." The Egyptian's words struck on Helmar's heart with a cold chill.
During his tirade the villain's face had shown the sneer so habitual to him, but, as Helmar's words gradually struck home, his expression changed to one of rage, and, as George ceased, Arden sprang up, and shaking his fist in his face, cried "You shall never live to see daylight! You have dared me to do this deed, and I will see that it is carried out!
The exclamation was caused by the sight of a small cloud of dust to their left front. It was far in the distance, but in the broadening daylight plainly visible to the keen-eyed Belbeis. Pointing in the direction he drew Helmar's attention. "See, there go the officer Arden's men. They are riding hard to overtake those who are behind them," he said, smiling grimly. "Their horses will soon tire.
Quick as lightning Helmar's equanimity was restored, and he waited to see what was next to happen. "Spy or no spy," said the Pasha, "you are a brave man to dare me to my face. One word from me and you would be torn limb from limb, but I do not intend to utter it. For the present you will be sent to Cairo as a prisoner; you will be safely guarded and in decent quarters.
Helmar's assistance was only just in time; another moment and the assassin would have accomplished his work. The freed stranger turned at once to aid his preserver. He saw the native struggling to release himself from George's terrible hold, and feared lest the man should escape. There was no need, however, George held the fellow with the greatest ease. "Steady!
The doctor was standing beside him, and the pair eyed the young man as he stepped forward. "German," said the man, without taking his eyes from Helmar's face. "Any relatives in the country?" "No, sir," replied George without hesitation. "Want work, eh? Um," and he bit the end of his pen; "you speak Arabic, Dr. Dixon tells me?" "Yes, sir." "How much do you know?" he asked in that language.
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