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"Japan no doubt is promising enough, but if you only stop to think for a moment, Mark, you will realize that your capital is not sufficient to carry you there." And he eyed the other keenly. "Of course my capital isn't large, but I understood we were working on a common purse, and you, Helmar, have ample."
I have caravans all over the Soudan and Upper Egypt, bringing in the wealth of produce of the scattered tribes in that country, therefore I employ many to do my work." He paused again, and a look of anxiety came into his eyes. He was fearful that Helmar might refuse what he was about to suggest.
I care not that much for your power!" and he snapped his fingers in the air. While he was still speaking Helmar had heard the scratching at the door the signal was given. He now only waited for Arden to go and carry out his threat to call his guards.
The foremost of the party were within eight hundred yards of the waiting trio; Helmar gave the word "Ready," and taking a careful aim, his companions waited for the word to fire. It came short and sharp, and the three carbines rang out. When the smoke had cleared away three horses were plunging, and a moment after, fell headlong to the ground.
Come along, let us give them a race!" As he spoke all three men urged their horses on, but the approaching party were travelling more rapidly than they, and every minute seemed to be coming nearer. At last Helmar said "Look here, Belbeis, it seems to me we are uselessly distressing our horses; let us slow down and wait until they come up. We may as well fight now as later on."
Helmar slipped his hand in his coat pocket to make sure his revolver was there, and, having satisfied himself on the point, hurried along behind the Arab, talking and laughing with his friend, as if he had not the slightest doubt but that everything was fair and above-board. The limit of the town was reached, and they passed along the sandy road until they came to some gardens.
In a few moments he came back, and led the way into the great entrance hall, where they found Naoum waiting to receive them. He greeted our hero with affection, and looked in surprise at Charlie. Helmar was quick to interpret the glance, and hastened to set his mind at rest.
"Four more miles and then we are in for it," said the latter, as his horse quickened his pace. "Yes, sir," replied Helmar, "four more miles and then Death or Glory." Nothing further was said, and in grim silence the march was continued. Major Watson now headed his men, and the outskirts of the town were reached. Without hesitation the gallant Major rode straight for the citadel.
On the way the two friends made the acquaintance of a doctor, who, discovering that Helmar was a medical student, took a keen interest in them. The medical man was an English army surgeon, and notwithstanding the difference of nationality his fancy was taken by the young adventurers, and, by the time they reached their destination, he had succeeded in discovering their intentions.
"It seems to me all wrong anyhow," replied Helmar; "I don't think he ought to have given such an order. A scout has no business to give signals like that, or even to carry matches, but I suppose it's got to be done. Get your pistol out and be ready while I strike a light." A grunt from the Irishman signified assent, and, a moment after, Helmar struck a match.
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