BY CAPT. MAYNE REID
AUTHOR OF "THE DESERT HOME," "THE OCEAN WAIFS," ETC. A NEW EDITION,
WITH A MEMOIR BY R. H. STODDARD. New York, January 1st, 1869. MAYNE REID. TROW'S
PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY,
NEW YORK. AUTHOR'S NOTE. The Rancho, December, 1864. MEMOIR OF MAYNE REID. But nature had
something to say about that, as well as his good father. He began to
study for the ministry, but it was not long before he was drawn in
another direction. There was that in the blood of Mayne Reid which fitted him to lead
this life at this time, and whether he knew it or not it educated his
genius as no other life could have done. There was another side, however, to Mayne Reid than that we have touched
upon, and this, at the end of five years, drew him back to the average
life of his kind. There is not much
that needs be told--not much, indeed, that can be told--in the life of a
man of letters like Captain Mayne Reid. It is written in his books. R. H. Stoddard. CONTENTS. V. A False Guide
VI. VII. XII. The Maherry
XIV. A Liquid Breakfast
XV. The "Desert Ship"
XIX. Homeward Bound
XX. The Hue and Cry
XXIX. Once More by the Sea
LX. The Rival Wreckers
LXV. Work or Die
LXX. LXXI. More Torture
LXXV. CHAPTER I. it is even so. it has been the misfortune of many--not hundreds, but thousands. CHAPTER II. No eye could be upon them, save that of the Creator. Undoubtedly were
these castaways alone; as much so, as if their locality had been the
centre of the Atlantic, instead of its coast! The spar in question, with
those supported upon it, is but a fragment of the wreck. In
age, too, there is no great difference. Rather should we say, had been. They were
the respective representatives of Jack, Paddy, and Sandy,--or, to speak
more poetically, of the Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle,--and had the three
kingdoms from which they came been searched throughout their whole
extent, there could scarcely have been discovered purer representative
types of each, than the three reefers on that spar, drifting towards the
sand-spit between Bojador and Blanco. Their names were Harry Blount, Terence O'Connor, and Colin Macpherson. CHAPTER III. The presence of a ship's topsail-yard thus bestridden plainly proclaimed
that a ship had been wrecked, although no other evidence of the wreck
was within sight. There was nothing in sight--neither land nor any other object--save the
sea, the sky, and the sun. There was not much movement any way, and for several hours before and
after noon they lay almost becalmed upon the ocean. There was nothing for them to talk about
but their forlorn situation, and this topic had been exhausted. That was, that they were _touching
bottom_! "Nowhere to-night," was the answer suggested by the inclination of each. But there was an inclination stronger than either,--too
strong to be resisted,--sleep: since for fifty hours they had been
without any; since to have fallen asleep on the spar would have been to
subject themselves to the danger, almost the certainty, of dropping off,
and getting drowned; and, notwithstanding their need of sleep, increased
by fatigue, and the necessity of keeping constantly on the alert,--up to
that moment not one of them had obtained any. CHAPTER IV. They had been scarce two hours asleep, when one and all of them were
awakened by a sensation that chilled, and, at the same time, terrified
them. The sand, dust-dry under the heat of a burning
sun, had deceived them. It was a thick mist, or fog,
that had arisen over the surface of the ocean, and which enveloped their
bodies; so that, though standing almost close together, each appeared to
the others like some huge spectral form at a distance! To remain where they were, was to be swallowed up by the sea. Rather might we say, for certain. There was no time to be lost. You may fancy it could have been easily answered. You may fancy that they had nothing to do but follow the waves, keeping
the breeze upon their back. This at first caused them surprise, as well as alarm. The explanation was sought for, and
suggested to the satisfaction of all. It was in fact, a sort of natural breakwater--forming one side of a
large cone, or embayment, lying between it and the true beach. It was appropriate to the
occasion. CHAPTER VI. For a time they floundered on,--the old sailor in the lead, the three
boys strung out in a line after him. Up to their waists in water, their progress could not be otherwise than
slow. The time would not have signified could they have been sure of the
tide,--that is, sure of its not rising higher. they could not be in doubt about this. This, however, was but a fancy. There was a
doubt in the minds of all, as to their ability to reach the shore by
swimming. It was a thought neither of self nor self-preservation; but a generous
instinct, that even in that perilous crisis was stirring within their
hearts. No. It was a thought,--an impulse if you will; but something
higher than an instinct. Undoubtedly, I shall. CHAPTER VII. A COMPULSORY PARTING. "We cannot leave you, Bill!" "Ye must, my lads!" he cried out, repeating his proposition. The
water'll be over ye, if ye stand 'eer tin minutes longer." "Let loose, lads!" Let loose,
lads--let loose I tell ye!" They had been carried
into deep water, where the tallest of them could not touch bottom. For some seconds they struggled on the top of the swell, their faces
turned towards the spot from which they had been swept. "Och, boys!" cried he, "don't thry to come back. Lave me to my fate, an' save yersels. Turn,
an' follow it, as I tell ye. It'll carry ye safe to the shore; an' if
I'm washed afther ye, bury me on the bache. Farewell, brave
boys,--farewell!" CHAPTER VIII. gasped he, with exhausted breath, "I think I've touched
bottom. Blessed be the Virgin, I have!" "Bottom it must be, and bottom it is. suggested Terence,
as soon as he had recovered his wind; "might we not?" "If we had but known it was so short a swim," said Harry, "it is
possible." asserted Colin. They were
too white for these. inquired Harry. asked Terence. "What do you mean, Coley?" asked the impatient Hibernian. "To see if the tide's still rising," was the explanation given by the
Scotch youth. demanded Terence. I comprehend you," said Terence. "You're right," added Harry. "If the tide be still rising, Old Bill is
under it by this time. But it was not. There was but one
conclusion to which they could come. exclaimed all three in the same breath. continued the
voice. "Arrah, 'old on there. I'm so tired wadin', I want a short spell
to rest myself. Wait now, and I'll come to yez, as soon as I can take a
reef out of my tops'ls." The joy caused by this greeting, great as it was, was scarce equal to
the surprise it inspired. "Bill, is it you?" Gee
me a grip o' yer wee fists, ye bonny boys. "But how did ye come, Bill? not half the way, though I've waded part of
it. There's wather between here and where you left me, deep enough to
dhrown Phil Macool. What
was that but the tops'l yard. Now, my bonny babies, that's how Old Bill's been able to rejoin
ye. CHAPTER IX. By the time they had finished this operation, the mist had become
sensibly thinner; and the moon, suddenly emerging from under a cloud,
enabled them to obtain a better view of the shore upon which they had
set foot. But of the four there was not one--not even the tough
old tar himself--who was not regularly done up, both with weariness of
body and spirit. There was no reason why they should make their couch upon
that exposed prominence. There was no reason why they should not. Another ridge, of about equal height, ran parallel to this on the
landward side. The bases of the two approached so near, that their
sloping sides formed an angle with each other. It was in this re-entrant angle that the castaways found themselves,
after descending the side of the dune, and where they had proposed
spending the remainder of the night. They proceeded therefore to encouch themselves. He had arisen to his feet, and appeared in the act of starting off. "We had better not separate," suggested Harry Blount. "If we do, we may
find it difficult to come together again." "I say, stay here," put in the voice of the sailor. No, it won't. Let us hold fast, thin,
where we're already belayed." "Stay, Terry!" cried Colin. you Scotch are always capturing something--whether it be an idea, a
flea, or the itch. We can't get sleep, standing at an
angle of forty-five degrees. cried Terence, jocularly adopting his native brogue;
"and why don't you out with it at wanse?--you Scatch are the thrue
_rid-tape_ of society." "Never mind, Colly!" "All of ye do as you see me, and, I'll be your bail, ye'll sleep sound
till the dawn o' the day. CHAPTER XI. They had
dropped into their respective positions, one after the other, as they
lay. He was wearied, as
well as his young comrades; and soon also yielded his spirit to the
embrace of the god Somnus. Not much to a man awake, and with open eyes. CHAPTER XII. It was a sensation similar to that so well known, and so
much dreaded, under the name of _nightmare_. Strange enough, their
dreams were different. They were
startled out of their sleep, one after another, in the order in which
they lay, and inversely to that in which they had lain down. There was too much sneezing and coughing to permit of anything like
clear or coherent speech. There was sand
in the mouths and nostrils of all four, and dust in their eyes. There was the "sough" of the sea, as it
came swelling up the gorge; the "whish" of the wind, as it impinged upon
the crests of the ridges; and the "swish" of the sand as it settled
around them. There was a sort of dull battering,--as if some gigantic creature was
performing a Terpsichorean feat upon the sand-bank above them; but
sharper sounds were heard at intervals,--screams commingled with short
snortings, both proclaiming something of the nature of a struggle. They were
alike perplexing to the ears of English, Irish, and Scotch. exclaimed Terence. "It's coming nearer, whatever it may be. CHAPTER XIII. THE MAHERRY. The sand gully opened towards the sea, in a diagonal direction. This was soon after; and
along with the morning light had come the cessation of the simoom. It almost squeezed the breath out of me, for it
set its hoof right upon the pit of my stomach." "The same with me," said Colin. There was some truth in Colin's observation. CHAPTER XIV. A LIQUID BREAKFAST. Melancholy as was the situation of the self-caught camel, it was a
joyful sight to those who beheld it. This proved it to
be a "maherry," or riding camel,--one of those swift creatures used by
the Arabs in their long rapid journeys across the deserts; and which are
common among the tribes inhabiting the Saära. Then, if we
find nothing, we can butcher this beast." inquired Harry
Blount. See,--yonder's a
dark place down upon the beach. added he, "and's had a calf not long ago. Look at the
'eldher,' and them tits. There'll be enough
for the whole of us, I warrant yez." cried Bill, desisting for a moment to take breath. But I forgets. Go it, wan after another: there'll be enough for
yez all." Though they were still very hungry,
the rich milk had to some extent taken the keen edge off their
appetites; and all declared they could now go several hours without
eating. Indeed it was scarce a guess. The circumstances told them to a certainty
that the camel must have strayed from its owner. urged Terence. "They won't eat us, any
how?" "In troth I'm not so shure av that, Masther Terry," replied Bill. "Even
supposin' they won't ate us, they'll do worse." "Aye, worse, I tell you. They'd torture us, till death would be a
blissin'." "Ach, Masther Terry!" "Tell us, Bill. What is it?" "Betther for 'im, poor boy, if he 'ad. No, he 'adn't that luck. The
crew,--it was a tradin' vessel, and there was tin o' them,--all got safe
ashore. They were
knocked about, an' beat, an' bullied, an' kicked, an' starved,--worse
than the laziest lubber as ever skulked about the decks o' a ship. "What would you advise us to do, Bill?" If we go innard, we're sure to get lost one
way or t' other. "We'd better start at once, then," suggested the impatient Terence. "No, Masther Terry," said the sailor; "not afore night. "Aye, lads! an' we must hide, too. Shure as ye are livin' there'll be
somebody afther this sthray kaymal,--in a wee while, too, as ye'll see. asked one of the party; "we'll be
famished before nightfall! No one
made answer to it. "Hold your hands, youngsthers," said the sailor. KEEPING UNDER COVER. "Let me have a look," proposed Colin. "By good luck, I've got my glass. It was in my pocket as we escaped from the ship; and I didn't think of
throwing it away." "They're two bonny bodies," said he, "dressed in all the colors of the
rainbow. I can see bright shawls, and red caps, and striped cloaks. One
is mounted on a horse; the other bestrides a camel,--just such a one as
this by our side. "Ah, that be hit," said Old Bill. They be on the sarch for her. Lie low, Masther Colin. Luckily they were relieved from it, and sooner than they had expected. exclaimed he, as an ingenious conception sprang up in his mind. I'll watch these fellows, without giving
them a chance of seeing me. That will I." asked the others. "I can make out their faces," muttered he, after a time; "and ugly
enough are they. One is yellow, the other black. He must be a negro,--of
course he is,--he's got woolly hair too. It's he that rides the
camel,--just such another as this that stumbled over us. He has a sharp look,
like those Moors we've seen at Tetuan. He's an Arab, I suppose. I can see him make gestures,
as if he was directing him to do something. they have
stopped,--they are looking this way!" that's like enough," said Terence. suggested Harry Blount. "True," answered Colin. If that's
what halted them, it's all over with us, so far as hiding goes." "Slip it in, any how. If they don't see it any more, they mayn't come
quite up to the ridge." Colin was about to follow the advice thus offered, when on taking what
he intended to be a last squint through the telescope, he perceived that
the travellers were moving on up the beach, as if they had seen nothing
that called upon them to deviate from their course. "So much the better for us. I was sure it was all over with us." "Of course not; or else they'd have come on to examine it. Instead,
they've left the beach altogether. They've gone inland, among the hills. They're no longer in sight." good yez may well say, Masther Terence. The truth of his words was apparent to all. THE "DESERT SHIP." Though there was now nothing within sight between them, they did not
think it prudent to move out of the gorge, nor even to raise their heads
above the level of the sand-wreath. Terence, who had been the one to advance it, being hoisted in the hump
of the camel. CHAPTER XIX. HOMEWARD BOUND. Awkward as the old salt might feel in
a saddle, he felt not less awkward _afoot_. That is ashore,--on _terra
firma_. cried he, as soon as the maherry had fairly commenced
moving. what do yez mean, you brute? 'Ang it, I must pipe all 'ands, an' take in sail. THE DANCE INTERRUPTED. All to no purpose. There was not much force in the muscular efforts made to check it. Their size, shape, and color
proclaimed their character. This varied tableau was distinctly visible under the light of a full,
mellow moon. There was music, made upon
some rude instrument. The human forms,--both of men and women,--were in
motion, circling and springing about. He heard, and saw, all this in a score of seconds, as the maherry
hurried him forward into their midst. It was too late to attempt a
retreat, and, in a state of desponding stupor, he stuck to the saddle. too well. But they were not. They were
the spoils of the corvette, that had been washed ashore, and fallen into
the hands of the wreckers. This was not likely. The circumstances under which the old sailor made these reflections were
such as to render the last hypothesis sufficiently probable. He could not understand a word that passed between the
contending parties, though there was talk enough to have satisfied a
sitting of parliament, and probably with about the same quantity of
sense in it. From the manner in which they acted, he could tell that it was his
person that was the subject of dispute, and that both wanted to be the
proprietor of it. THE TWO SHEIKS. There was a remarkable difference between the two men thus claiming
ownership in the body of Old Bill. Their object was not so different, though even in this there was a
certain dissimilation. But the sheik of Arab aspects wished to possess him, with a view
to his ultimate ransom. There
lay the emporium of his commerce,--the great mud-built town of
Timbuctoo. Though the sailor could not understand
a word of what was said, he could tell that the little Arab was urging
his ownership, on the plea that the camel which had carried the captive
into the encampment was his property, and on this account was he
entitled to the "waif." The circumstance of his making
them known might argue, that he did expect some sort of kind treatment. It was religion, not
nature, made them act as they did. Their hardness of heart came not from
_God_, but the _Prophet_. They wondered a little why he had not slipped off, and let the animal
go. This was just what he had done, for the first three or four hundred
yards. There was that in the incident to make them apprehensive. Or should they follow, in the hope of overtaking him? Colin was confident he heard such. Colin was convinced that he heard all these sounds, and declared that
they could only proceed from some encampment. They proceeded with caution,--Colin even more than his companions. "More than's true, Terry," rejoined the young Englishman. "More than's
true, I fear." "You may well say that," said Colin, confirmingly. It's all well enough, so long as you are
one of themselves, and, like them, a believer in their pretended
prophet. Beyond that, an Arab has got no more hospitality than a hyena. "Shame, Terence!" Colin had come to a stop, the others imitating his example. They were
now more distant from the breakers,--whose roar was somewhat deadened by
the intervention of a sand-spur. In consequence, the other sounds were
heard more distinctly. The grotesque chorus was succeeded by an interval of silence,
uninterrupted and profound. There was old Bill before their faces, stripped to the shirt,--to the
"buff,"--surrounded by a circle of short, squat women, dark-skinned,
with black hair, and eyes sparkling in the moonlight, who were torturing
him with tongue and touch,--who pinched and spat upon him,--who looked
altogether like a band of infernal Furies collected around some innocent
victim that had fallen among them, and giving full play to their
fiendish instincts! It was cruel beyond
question. What, when exercised, must be that of their men? Still, what could the boys do? His youthful companions could only breathe a prayer in his
behalf, and express a hope that, as upon the latter occasion, some
providential chance should turn up in his favor, and he might again be
permitted to rejoin them. Against the face of
the acclivity, there was not much danger of their being seen. The moon
was shining on the other side. It was different now. There was quiet in the camp, though both male and
female figures could be seen stirring among the tents. There was no other way leading forth from the
valley. There was no other way--no help for
it--but to scale the ridge in front, and "cut" as quickly as possible
across the hollow of the "saddle." But they would not. He had been as much impressed by what
he had seen as his companions, and was quite as desirous as they to give
the Bedouins a "wide berth." A QUEER QUADRUPED. Half way up, they halted, though not to take breath. The moon was
shining beyond. It was neither standing, nor at rest in any way. THE HUE AND CRY. A SUBAQUEOUS ASYLUM. There was but one way in which they _might_ have stood a chance of
getting clear, at least for a time. At best it was but slim, though it was the only one that offered. There was not much time for either; and as the three stood in a triangle
with their faces turned towards each other, the moonlight shone upon
lips and cheeks blanched with dismay. After all, their old home was not
to prove so inhospitable. he exclaimed, "let's take to the wather! For their surprise,--which this exhibition of it proved to be
extreme,--the Sons of the Desert had sufficient reason. This they had done by
glancing occasionally to the ground, where shoe-tracks in the soft
sand--three sets of them--leading to and fro, were sufficient evidence
that the three mids must have gone back to the _embouchure_ of the
ravine, and thither emerged upon the open sea-beach. Up the
coast, or down it, they would have been seen to a certainty. By advancing in
this direction they could still keep to the same depth. There was no risk of their
being overheard. They had been, hitherto
advancing towards the water's edge,--in regular progression with the
influx of the tide,--all the while upon their knees. By
holding their ground, they could not fail to "go under." By advancing
further, they would run the risk of being discovered to the enemy. This they attempted again, and determined to continue it to the last
moment,--in view of the danger of approaching nearer to the enemy. ONCE MORE THE MOCKING LAUGH. This they could not help. How it had come there they knew not; but there it was. Judging from the
experience of their former encounter with it they presumed it would
again retreat at their approach; and, once more drawing their dirks,
they advanced boldly towards it. There was not much to cheer them on their way,--only the thought that
they had so adroitly extricated themselves from a dread danger. It was a slight noise, something like a snort, apparently made by some
animal; and, for the moment, they supposed it to come from the ugly
quadruped that, after saluting them, had retreated up the gorge. A CUNNING SHEIK. It was possible, they thought, that the old man-o-war's-man, left
unguarded in the camp, might have laid hands on the maherry that had
made away with him, and pressed it into service to assist his escape. Such in truth was he,--one of the two sheiks,--the old Arab to whom the
straying camel belonged; and who was now mounted on his own maherry. He had been on the beach before, along with the others; and had gone
away with the rest. There he had remained,--permitting the
rest to recross the ridge, and return to the tents. But no. A QUEER ENCOUNTER. If I am to become a prisoner, it will be to one who can take me." I'm with you, Harry! cried Colin, after making his cautious
reconnaissance. "If he take us, he must first fight for it. Come on, old
skin-flint! you'll find we're true British tars,--ready for a score of
such as you." cried Terence and Colin, in a breath; "now we have him in
our power! In truth, there seemed no chance for them to inflict the slightest wound
upon him; while at each fresh "wheel" of the maherry, and each new sweep
of the scimitar, one or other of them was in danger of decapitation! The struggle between Terence and the sheik still continued, upon the
back of the maherry. Once _à pied_ he would
be at their mercy, since he was now altogether unarmed. It was too clear to his
companions,--clear as a catastrophe could be to those who are its
victims. There is no such word
in the Bedouin vocabulary--no such feeling in the Bedouin breast. His youthful comrades saw, but were not permitted to approach him. There was none. In addition to these, human voices were heard. "What have they done to you, Bill?" was the first question asked by the
new comers, after they had been left free to make inquiries. said Colin, almost literally
repeating the interrogatory of Terence. "That at least," quietly assented Harry. "Sartin," said the sailor. He's my master. "The Lord only knows, an' whether we're all bound for the same port." They are
the names o' two great toons, a lang way up the kintry,--Timbuctoo and
Sockatoo. Together, we might do something to alleviate one
another's lot. THE DOUAR AT DAWN. But they were not. Colin was constrained to compare the savage life of two continents,
separated by an ocean. But Colin corrected them, by alleging that it was. Colin was right. At the hour of their departure from the encampment, the pool was on the
eve of exhaustion. Proof. You may ask, why this selection of the nostrils instead of the mouth? A SQUABBLE BETWEEN THE SHEIKS. It was too important to be trifled with, or
negligently performed. Such a contingency was not improbable,
neither would it be new. Most of his
following were similarly "furnished," though not all of them. He wants these boys
bad,--I know that. Well, he can have these _three at a price_." Yes, that's
the trick!" "I know it, Fatty dear; he's told me so himself." "Ah, that's easy to say. exclaimed Fatima, with a disdainful toss
of her head, and a scornful turning up of her two protruding teeth; "all
stuff and nonsense! If he won't play again, try your hand at bargaining against
your blacks; offer him two to one." THE TRIO STAKED. There was not much to choose between the two masters. They had been already aware that old Bill was to
be parted from them, and this had caused them a painful feeling; but to
be themselves separated, perhaps never to meet again, was a thought
still more distressing. They had become fast friends; and believed
that whatever might be the fate before them, they could better bear it
in each other's company. Well, perhaps it's better. Take them with him, they supposed. So reasoned they; and, as it was a matter of indifference to them with
which they went, they would offer no opposition. This was, in reality, the terms that had been agreed upon. He was unfortunate, as
before. Either the luck was against him, or he was no match at "desert
draughts" for his sable antagonist. GOLAH. Golah was certainly a great man,--not in bone and flesh alone, but in
intellect as well. "I have had enough of this," said Harry Blount to his companions. you are thinking and speaking for me, Harry," said Terence. They're not much to look at, but still they
might count for something in a row. "Just say the word,--when and how," cried Harry "I'm waiting. "Pitch on a plan, and I'll pitch into it," rejoined Terence. "Stay, Master Terence," interrupted the old sailor. "Av coorse ye are
afther wantin' to do somethin', an' thin to think aftherwards why ye did
it. Arry, my lad, yer half out o yer mind. Don't ye
see a voyage here is just like one at sea, only it be just the revarse. When men are starvin' at sea, they want to find land, but when they are
starvin' in the desert they want to find water. Natur is sure to win." You talk good for
me. I go long with you." He would
sell them to the highest bidder, and that would be some English consul
on the coast. A DAY OF AGONY. Thirst--raging, burning
thirst--extinguished or deadened every other sensation. "I am worth money, and if old Golah lets me die for want
of a drop of water, he's a fool." The eldest of her children was too young to walk a long distance; and,
most of the time, was carried under her care upon the maherry. It was a sort of travelling that did not at
all suit her; and she had been casting about for some way of being
relieved from at least a portion of her trouble. The plan she devised was to compel some one of the slaves to carry her
eldest child, a boy about four years of age. Colin was the victim selected for this duty. There was no danger of any of the slaves making an attempt to escape;
for all were too anxious to receive the small quantity of food that was
to be allowed them at the night halt. "Ah, Master Arry!" exclaimed Bill, in a
tone expressing fear and pity. "If ye dinna eat, mon, ye'll dee." Though the hunger of Colin's three companions was not half satisfied,
they all refused to finish the remainder of his supper, hoping that he
might soon find his appetite, and eat it himself. His abstemiousness caused them uneasiness, even alarm. COLIN IN LUCK. There was a mystery in
the young Scotchman's behavior he could not comprehend,--a mystery that
soon became more profound. "Perhaps I may die for the want of
water, and on this desert; but I can never suffer so much real pain a
second time." "'Ow is that, Master Arry?" asked Bill. "Well, there be summat in that, for sartin," answered the sailor, "for I
can't 'elp thinkin' about 'ow nice our supper was last night, and only
'ope it will taste as well to-night again." They all looked about. "What is it, Bill? asked Terence and Harry in
a breath. "Well, why was it?" What is it that she gives you to eat, Maister
Colly?" The sheik instantly turned his maherry, and rode back. "Try to move on, man," said Terence, "and we will help you. Come, Bill,
for the sake of your friends try to get up. "Perhaps I could walk on a bit farther," said he, "but I won't. I'm goin' to ride, and let Golah walk awhile. All ye've got to do is to look on,
an' ye'll larn somethin'. On reaching the place where the sailor was sitting, Golah was informed
of what had caused the delay, and that the usual remedy had failed of
effect. Moreover, for the benefit of himself and his young companions, he wished
to try an experiment. exclaimed Golah, when this communication was
made to him; "you want to cheat me out of the price I have paid for you;
but you shall not. You must go on. I, Golah, have said it." exclaimed Golah, nearly frantic with delight; "and
we are not carrying you, are we? AN UNJUST REWARD. The man then added, speaking in a mysterious manner, that there was one
more subject on which he wished to give them warning. When pressed to
mention it, he appeared reluctant to do so. asked Harry. "Bom-by he be kill. I see, one, two,--seb'ral more
see. Golah no fool. Bom-by he see too, and kill um bof,--de lad an' de
piccaninny moder." "No good, no good," said the Krooman. asked Harry. "Noting," answered the Krooman. "You noting can do. Ony bid him be good
man, and talk much,--pray to God. Golah wife lub him, and he sure muss
die." "I believes as how the darkey be right," said Bill. "Of course, if the
swab Goliarh larns as 'ow one av 'is wives ha' taken a fancy to Master
Colly, 't will be all up wi' the poor lad. "Like enough," assented Terence. It was about a young man, somethin' like Master Colly,
barrin' his name was Joseph. Hif I remember rightly, it did. "Yes," answered Harry, "that little affair did happen in this part of
the world,--since it was in Africa,--and our comrade has a fair prospect
of being more unfortunate than Joseph. In truth, I don't see how we
shall be able to assist him." Won't there, Master 'Arry?" "There will, indeed," answered Harry. "Colin will soon be up with us,
and we must talk to him." Harry was right, for Colin soon after overtook them,--having been driven
up as usual by the negress, who seemed in great anger at the trouble he
was causing her. asked Colin. "No, I certainly could not. You must not linger behind, but remain all the time by us." He had been knocking about
the world for many long years, injuring his constitution by dissipation
and exposure in many climes; and the siege that thirst and hunger were
now making to destroy his strength became each hour more perceptible in
its effect. THE WATERLESS WELL. It was well they were inspired by this hope. It was dry! Golah was in a great rage with everything, and his wives, children,
slaves, and camels, that were most familiar with his moods, rushed here
and there to get out of his way. --"Peace be with all here, and with
your friends!" was the next inquiry. "It is too far away," answered Golah. "We are very weary." "It is not far," said the chief, "not more than half a league. You had
better go on." "No. I think it is more than two leagues, and we shall wait till
morning." I know the well is not far away, and we shall reach it
to-night." "Very well," said Golah, "go, and may God be with you. "Yes, a good one. It is a little fatigued now, but will be strong in the
morning." Golah was aware that any camel they would sell him that night would be
one that could only move with much difficulty,--one that they despaired
of getting any further on the way. It was worn out with toil and hunger, and could not recover its feet. After some dry weeds had been collected for fuel, Golah proceeded to
fulfil his promise of giving them plenty of food. This food was divided amongst the slaves, and was greedily devoured by
all. Golah would not promise this. "Well, what's the news?" asked Bill, as they drew near. "Very bad," answered Terence. THE WELL. Some of his displeasure was vented upon the camel he was riding, and the
animal was usually driven far ahead of the others. Colin had again established himself in the favor of the sheik's wife,
and was allowed to have the care of the child; but the little food and
drink he received for his attention to it were dearly earned. While some were doing this, he directed others to seek for fuel. Then, serving out to each of them about a pint of the water,
and giving them a few seconds for swallowing it, he ordered them off. The answer was, "It is peace"; and the new comers dismounted, and
pitched their camp. In this the Krooman was correct. Highway robbers do not waylay their
victims at an inn, but on the road. Pirates do not plunder ships in a
harbor, but out on the open ocean. said Colin. said Bill. "Yes." Perhaps these Arabs may
buy us, and take us north. All consented to this course. He had said, "Buy us. exclaimed Terence. asked Harry. Trembling with apprehension, the woman rose to obey. "I tell you so," said the Krooman, who was standing near the white
slaves; "Fatima say to Golah, 'Christian dog eat the figs'; Golah kill
him now; he kill da woman too." She had bestowed favor upon a slave,--a Christian dog,--and had aroused
the jealousy of her Mahometan lord and master. There, for a time, he was left alone. asked Terence; "the old villain means mischief, and
how can we prevent it? "We must do something immediately," said Harry. Bill, what should we do?" Now, this might do, if these black
fellows would only jine us." "Well, then," said Harry, "there will be six of us against three. The scheme was a desperate one, but all seemed willing to undertake it. exclaimed Colin, who had been listening attentively to all that
was said. "I'm not with you. Two or three would
be shot, and the sheik himself could finish all the rest with his
scimitar. "It is not for you alone that we are going to act," interposed Harry. "It is as much for ourselves." "Then act when there is a chance of succeeding," pursued Colin. "You
cannot save me, and will only lose your own lives." "I tell you it's madness," expostulated Colin. CHAPTER LI. A LIVING GRAVE. Acting under the advice of the others, Terence sprang to his feet: and
advanced to the spot where the sheik was standing. The sheik now addressed a few words to the Krooman, who then told
Terence that his life depended on perfect obedience to Golah's orders. "He say," said the Krooman, "if you no make fight, and no make noise, he
no kill you." No. On
reflection, the young Scotchman yielded, and permitted his hands to be
tied behind his back; so, too, did the Krooman. Golah now stepped out of the tent: and immediately after returned,
leading Harry Blount along with him. On reaching the opening, and seeing Terence and the Krooman lying bound
upon the floor, the young Englishman started back, and struggled to free
himself from the grasp of the hand that had hold of him. asked Bill when Golah was tying his
hands together. exclaimed Harry; "see what you have done by opposing our
plan! "And so much the better for yourselves," answered Colin. "If he means no harm, why has he bound us?" asked Bill. "Yes, but a safe one," answered Colin. "They are digging a grave for me, or that of the poor woman,--perhaps
for both of us?" suggested Colin, as he calmly gazed on the spectacle. "He _should_ kill us all," exclaimed Terence. "You are right," replied Harry; "we _are_ fools, cowardly fools! "And I'll be with you," added Terence. "Never mind me, old comrades," answered Colin, who seemed less excited
than the others. "Do the best you can for yourselves, and you may some
time escape from this monster." CHAPTER LII. If so, in what manner? It soon transpired. he exclaimed; "the monster is going to bury her alive! exclaimed Harry, as he suddenly
sprang to his feet. Colin was allowed to lie on the
ground where the sheik had knocked him over. Golah now returned to the pit where the woman stood half buried. As the sheik was turning away to attend to other matters, the
woman spoke. Her words were few, and produced no effect upon him. "She ask him to be kind to her little boy," said the man, in a voice
trembling with emotion. Are tears unmanly?--No. exclaimed Harry, in a tone
expressing despair and anguish. Leave me to my fate." The sheik was now ready to depart; and ordered the slave who had been
assisting him in his diabolical work to mount the camel formerly ridden
by the woman who was thus entombed. It was an
act worthy of himself, although suggested by Fatima. exclaimed Terence; "we will give him some trouble yet." "Of course we'll not go, and leave Colin there," said Harry. Golah has got a way of making a man travel, whether he be
willing or not." "Go on, go on!" exclaimed Colin. "You can do me no good, and will only
injure yourselves." "Go on, my friends!" exclaimed Colin; "for God's sake, go, and leave me! "We 'ave got to go now," said Bill. Bill tried to rise, but was prevented. CHAPTER LIII. He was too late. We get free. Dat why dis Arab no buy
us,--he know us he hab for noting." "No, no; dig me out without that," answered Colin. They waited, to give
him time to recover the use of his limbs. Golah was a pure negro, and one of a class of traders much disliked by
the Arabs. Colin had in his hands the bowl of water, and the dried figs that had
been placed beside it. Colin received the lesson meekly, and said not a word. With the exception of Golah, the Arabs had no trouble with their
captives. CHAPTER LIV. This was satisfactory to all but Bill. Every article that had been obtained from the wreck was now exposed to
view, and a fixed price set upon it. This proved a very difficult matter to manage, and occupied their time
for the rest of the day. "You and me," said he to Harry, "we no got two massas--only one." The fact was, that they were afraid of him. "I am your husband," he cried, "and whom should you obey but me? "He no like us," he remarked to the whites. Bom-by
you see him go dead." This they permitted him to do; but when the water was offered to Golah
it was again refused. His physical tortures seemed, for the time, extinguished by some deep
mental agony. His command having no effect, the Arab proceeded to use force. At
the risk of his life the youth resisted. "Old Golah looks very down in the mouth," remarked Terence to his
companions. "If it was not for the beating he gave me yesterday, I could
almost pity him. inquired Colin. Nothing
of the kind. asked Harry. "Perhaps not, but it was the fault of the circumstances under which he
has been educated. "No more do I," said Bill. He has a spirit that will not submit to
slavery, and we have not." Colin was right. exclaimed he, "Golah no stay longer on de Saära. Give me one wife, a camel, and my
scimitar, and I will go. I have been robbed; but God is great, and it is
his will, and my destiny." "I am free," said Golah, when his hands were untied. "We are equals, and
Mussulmen. Give me some food and drink." She had believed him doomed to a
life of slavery, if not to death; and this belief had influenced her in
her late actions. FATIMA'S FATE. It was Golah's son. There was no time for exchanging surmises over this mystery. They had been extracted from a tent in which two of the Arabs had
slept,--two of the four who were now preparing to search for the missing
property. The sheik became alarmed. The sheik could the more readily believe this, since the country of the
black chief lay to the southward, and Golah, on leaving the douar, had
gone in that direction. inquired the Arabs,
pointing to the tracks of the stolen horse, which still appeared to lead
towards the northwest. "No, not that; but he will follow you." They determined, therefore, to continue their journey. He was now beyond their reach, and, in all likelihood, had been rejoined
by his son. He turned and rode towards it, closely followed by the
people of his party. The ghastly spectacle was instructive. His son, moreover, was, in all likelihood, along with him. FURTHER DEFECTION. It was so wholly unexpected, that none of the Arabs were
prepared to intercept the fugitive. We don't wish to
escape,--certainly not at present." Golah now had two accomplices, and the three were well mounted and well
armed. "He will kill
all these Arabs one after another, and obtain all he has lost, ourselves
included. I've tried my hand at disobeyin' his orders, and don't do it
again,--not if I knows it." A CALL FOR TWO MORE. They did not desire to
die, and therefore struggled on. "I tell you again," said Terence, who overheard the Krooman's remark,
"we shall have to go with Golah to Timbuctoo. We belong to him. Certainly, there was a
prospect of its proving true. "But the Arabs have us to help them," remarked Colin. We are out of our element." exclaimed Bill; "but we're not far from it. Moreover, they did not yet wish to avoid him. This
was but the work of a few minutes. exclaimed the old sheik, "why do you not die, my friend? Having said this, he relapsed into silence, and remained motionless as a
corpse. The sheik then placed one hand upon his temples. he exclaimed,
"the words of our friend are those of truth and wisdom. He is dead." CHAPTER LIX. ONCE MORE BY THE SEA. he exclaimed. If I must go
under alive, it shall be under water, like a Christyun. He had been to the well, and obtained a supply of water. He had been
hastening forward, in order to reach the well in advance of them. Golah would then have to revisit the well,
or perish of thirst upon the desert. They were
journeying south, and had purchased a small supply of food from the
caravan. The sheik decreed that the property of those who had perished should be
divided amongst those who survived. Darkness having by this time descended over the desert, the sheik set
about appointing the guard for the night. He was too suspicious of his
white slaves to allow all the four of them to act as guards at the same
time, while he and his companions were asleep. He was willing, however,
that one of them should be allowed to keep watch in company with one of
his own followers. that is well," said the sheik. "Let him keep the watch. But there was no such survey, and Golah watched the
sentinel, himself unseen. Golah was only armed with a scimitar; but it was a weapon that, in his
hands, was sure to fall with deadly effect. Putting the gun to full
cock, Golah walked on in the direction in which the sentry had been
going. He might be asleep, reasoned
Golah. Though the latter moved not, still Golah was not quite sure that the
sentry was asleep. Again he paused, and for a moment fixed his eyes on
the body with a piercing gaze. Gradually his intense alertness forsook him, and he began to think of
the past and future. There must be something inside therefore, but he was positive there was
no ball. He next examined the pan, and found the priming all right. But
this don't suit me at all, at all. Faix, I'll find a bit of a stone and
ram it into the barrel." This
plan he now tried himself. Of one thing, however, he soon became certain. There was a loud deafening report, followed by a yell of wild agony. exclaimed the Krooman in Arabic. "He is
calling for his son,--Muley is his son's name!" "They are going to attack the douar," shouted the Arab sheik, and his
words were followed by a scene of the wildest terror. "Why, to kill Golah,--the big nager!" sartinly I did," answered the sailor. I tell you he is gone and
done for." The sheik shook his head, and again smiled incredulously. He was lying on the ground; but on the approach of the Arabs, he sprang
to his feet, at the same time holding up both his hands. He carried no weapon; and the gesture signified, "It is peace." Muley ran to assist him, while I stayed
behind with the horse and camels. He ran this way and that way, swinging his scimitar about, and
trying to kill us both as well as the camels. He could not see, and we
managed to keep out of his way. exclaimed the sheik, "tell your story first, and eat afterwards." "After killing the camel," continued the young man, "the sheik became
quiet. He went there to die. Muley ran after to bring him out, and
they were both drowned. I could not help them, for I was starving!" At the command of the Arab chief, the slaves now buried the bodies of
Golah and his son. ON THE EDGE OF THE SAÄRA. exclaimed Harry Blount, as they approached the place. "We have been here before. We shall find no water, I fear. There was plenty of water in the pool--a heavy deluge of rain
having fallen over the little valley since they had left it. "They have told us a lie," remarked the old sheik, "they are not on a
journey, or they would have halted here by the water. Here was an opportunity not to be lost; and the Arabs determined to have
a share in whatever good fortune Providence might have thrown in the way
of those already upon the ground. THE RIVAL WRECKERS. The usual salutations were exchanged, and the new comers began to look
about them. "Mahomet is the
prophet of Him who sends favors to all, both good and bad. If he has
sent anything for you, look along the sea-beach and find it." On this invitation the camels of the kafila were unloaded, and the tents
pitched. Desisting from their search, they resolved to keep a lookout. God is great, and has been kind to us. He has
sent us a prize. We are about to gather the gifts of His mercy. Go your
way, and leave us in peace." Here was a mystery. It was possible, thought the new comers. He had gone below to visit the
wreck, and attach the rope to a portion of the cargo. A minute after his head was seen above the surface, and a shout was sent
forth. Some of his companions on the beach now commenced hauling in the
rope, the other end of which had been left in their hands. He was either a liar or a fool, and therefore unworthy of the
least attention. After some time spent in reconsidering the subject, the old sheik called
the Krooman aside; and when out of hearing of the wreckers, asked him to
give an explanation of the real nature of what he himself persisted in
calling the "cargo" of the wreck,--as well as a true statement of its
value. So argued the Arab. You are my countrymen. exclaimed Terence; "have you been a slave in the Saära so long
as that? If so, God help us! If you do, they'll be sure
to make an end of me. It's all my doing. suggested Colin. and then, springing forward, each grasped the hand of the
other. "Of course they will try to make you believe the cargo is no good,"
retorted Jim. "They wish you to leave it, so that they can have it all
to themselves. inquired Jim. "Call the Krooman," said Jim, "and I'll enlighten him. I must talk to him. If not, and you convince
them that they have been deceived, they will rob you of all you have
got. You buy me, then; and let us all take our
departure immediately." asked the sheik. "You are not well," replied the sheik; "and if I buy you, you cannot
walk." exclaimed the wrecker. "You say they are of no value,
and I do not wish to cheat any true believer of the prophet." "Will you _give_ me some of them, then?" "I am a merchant," rejoined the old sheik; "and wish to do business. I tell you that I've been here over forty." asked Bill. "That is true, for there is nothing in the Saära to help a man keep his
reckoning. "You see, Master Colly," said Bill, turning to the young Scotchman. exclaimed Jim. "Of course I am." "I'm sure av it," said Bill. "Well, then, brother, go ahead, an' spin us your yarn." "Do not flatter yourselves with that hope," said Jim. Every master I have had gave me the same
promise, and here I am yet. Where such have been your circumstances once, they have been
mine for forty times. A LIVING STREAM. It was a stream,--a stream of
living creatures moving over the plain. It was a migration of insects,--the famed locusts of Africa. Their march seemed conducted in regular order, and under strict
discipline. This he proceeded to do in the least time, and with the greatest
possible noise. THE ARABS AT HOME. In vain the latter complained of thirst, and begged for water. asked the
Krooman. replied the sheik. But we cannot
leave our fields now. "It is just as I supposed," said Jim. "They will promise anything. The same promise has been
made to me by the same sort of people a score of times." asked Terence. "We must do nothing," answered Jim. That was a mistake, and I can see it now. suggested Colin. We must get transferred to
other hands, and the only way to do that is to refuse work." asked Jim, addressing himself directly to the
old sheik. exclaimed the Arab. You must work for your living, as we do ourselves!" "We cannot do anything on land," said Jim. "By Allah, you will soon learn! Come, follow us to the barley fields!" "Never mind," said Jim. "Go to work with a will, mates! The same plan was pursued by his brother Bill, the Krooman, and Harry
Blount. WORK OR DIE. "Jim," said Sailor Bill, "I've 'alf a mind to give in. "Don't think of it, William," said his brother. "We can do nothing now," said Jim to the old sheik; "we are dying with
hunger and thirst. Our life has always been on the sea, and we can do
nothing on land." "Then give us some water." We are not your servants to carry water for you." Hunger and thirst were fast subduing
them--in body, if not in spirit. On reaching the door of the goat-pen, they refused to go in, all
clamoring loudly for food and water. "And so will I," said Terence. exclaimed Jim. muttered Terence; "the present is
everything. I will try to work to-morrow, if I live so
long." "The future is the care of God,
and we are only concerned with the present. "They will not quite starve us to death," said Jim. If we will not work they
will sell us, and we may reach Mogador. If we do work, we may stay here
for years. "I cannot," answered one. "Nor I," exclaimed another. "And so could I," said Colin. "And I, too," added Harry Blount. Water!" Water!" Water!" inquired the old
sheik, as he entered the goat-pen. Our bodies are now weak, but
our spirits are still strong. On receiving this answer, the Arabs departed, leaving the Christians in
the pen. Half an hour passed, and Jim began to doubt again. muttered Terence. answered Jim, now beginning to regret that he had not
tendered their submission before it might be too late. asked Terence, in a
whisper--hoarse from despair. thought he. Driven frantic with the thought, frenzy furnished him with the will and
strength to speak out. Bill had not strength even to drink, and the water had to be poured down
his throat. he exclaimed. We shall be fed, fattened, and sold; and
perhaps be taken to Mogador. SOLD AGAIN. There was no hope for him now, for he had given proof that he could be
made useful to his owners. "We want some merchant
to buy us, and take us to Mogador, where we may find friends to ransom
us." asked Jim. "No: Spaniards." answered Jim. inquired one of the Arabs. Jim pointed to Harry Blount, saying, "That is the youngster. After repeating these words two or three times, the Arabs were able to
pronounce them--after a fashion. nod your head, and then utter some words!" exclaimed Harry, giving his head an abrupt inclination. "I think
I know what you are trying to do, Jim. asked one of the merchants. "No; but he speaks English. asked one of the Arabs. "They wish to know the name of your uncle," said Jim, turning to Harry. exclaimed Harry. Tell him
that." "They are going to buy us," said Jim to Harry Blount; "but if we are not
redeemed in Mogador, you are to have your throat cut for deceiving
them." "Now look at the Krooman"; suggested Sailor Bill, "and say something
about him." Harry taking the hint, turned towards the African. For some minutes the Arabs conversed with each other in a low tone; and
then one of them replied, "It is well. And now get ready for the road. ONWARD ONCE MORE. he was deemed worthy of higher favor,
and was permitted to have a camel. "You can see now, that I was right," said Jim. Here, for the first time, they witnessed the Arab method of making
butter. The
milk was then poured off, and the butter clawed out of the skin by the
black dirty fingers of the women. Each would take a long draw, and then hand the pipe to
his left-hand neighbor. "They are talking about us," said Jim, "and we must learn for what
purpose. If so, may their prophets curse
them!" "I find out too much," said he, in answer to their inquiries; "too much,
and no much good." "Two of you be sold to-morrow." "No one know. One man examine us all in the morning, but take only two." The owner of the herds was to make his choice in the morning. There is trouble before
us yet; but we must be firm, and overcome it. Firmness has saved us
once, and may do so again." Jim was pointed out, and was at once selected as one of the two to be
purchased. Glancing his eyes over the other slaves, the grazier selected Terence as
the second for whom he was willing to pay a price. exclaimed Jim. exclaimed one of the
merchants. "Go on, go on!" he exclaimed. "Make no further resistance. "Of course we will not, unless we are forced to do so," added Harry. replied Jim. "I tell you
now to make no more resistance. "Jim knows what he is about," interposed Colin; "let us obey him." MORE TORTURE. They used threats, and then resorted to blows. "Buy us back, and take us all to Swearah as you promised," said he. "If
you do so, we will go cheerfully as we were doing before. I tell you,
you will be well paid for your trouble." There was but one way for them to overcome the difficulty that had so
unexpectedly presented itself. To accomplish this, the assistance of the bystanders was required and
readily obtained. Harry was first seized and placed on the back of his camel, to which he
was firmly bound. "He has not deceived you," said Jim, "take him and the others there, and
you will certainly be paid." EN ROUTE. No very profitable or happy association for the poor
captives, one might think; and yet not so. HOPE DEFERRED. It was but at the hour at which their journey should have been resumed,
that they forgot their hopes and cares in the repose of sleep. Hours passed, and their masters came not near them. EL HAJJI. asked Colin. When
in Cairo I was unwell, and starving for the want of food. We are poor men,
and nearly all our merchandise we have given for these slaves. We cannot
afford to lose them." He lost all, while the governor got the ransom, and put it in his
own pocket." "Do not take them within the Empire of Morocco," said he, "until after
you have been paid for them. "Henry Blount." This letter Harry folded, and directed to "Any English merchant in
Mogador." By the time it was written, Bo Muzem was mounted, and ready for the
road. BO MUZEM'S JOURNEY. "I have lost those two useless
Christian dogs you sold me, and I am ruined." As I am a poor
man, I could not afford to keep them in idleness, nor to kill them,
which I had a strong inclination to do. "They promised that if I would take them to the English Consul, he would
pay a large price for their ransom. There is no justice there for us. "But I have a letter from one of my slaves to his uncle,--a nut merchant
in Swearah. He has no uncle there, and I can soon
convince you that such is the case. Let him see the
letter." Bo Muzem was now satisfied that he had been "sold." We will kill the Christian dog who wrote
the letter, and sell the rest for what we can get for them." "That is your best plan," rejoined the grazier. He was accompanied by the grazier, who chanced to be journeying in the
same direction. exclaimed Bo Muzem, "that is strange. "So I have," answered the grazier; "but that's just why I want more of
them. "Then buy those we have for sale," proposed Bo Muzem. "We are willing to
sell them cheap, all but one. RAIS MOURAD. Judging from the respect shown to him by the merchants, he was an
individual of much importance. he exclaimed. Come, all of you follow me!" asked the Krooman when the merchant came forth. "One hundred dollars for me," answered the Krooman, "and one hundred and
fifty for each of the others." "Yes." You are
no longer our slaves, but his." exclaimed Colin; "I can't perceive it." asked Colin, in a tone of disappointment. asked Colin. "Yes," answered Harry; "I have had quite enough of resistance, and the
beating that is sure to follow it. My back is raw at this moment. BO MUZEM BACK AGAIN. "Speak, Krooman!" exclaimed Harry. If so, we are free, and they dare not sell us again." "Here,--here!" exclaimed Bill, pointing to one of the Arabs who came
with Bo Muzem. you have deceived me. There was but one man to sympathize with him in his disappointment, the
grazier to whom Terence and Jim had been sold, and who had made
arrangements for the purchase of the others. "I am rather pleased at it," answered Colin. That was a mistake. If he had
not done so, you Harry would have been killed." "That is true," exclaimed Harry, looking in the same direction. If so, there is
hope for us yet." "I believe the Krooman is right," said Harry. "We have been told that
Mogador is four days' journey from here, and the Arab was gone but six
days." The Moors endeavored to make him proceed, but were unsuccessful. asked the Moor,
addressing himself to the Krooman. If any on 'em is goin' to give us a chance for
liberty, let 'em do it without so many promises." The halt was
accordingly made, and a temporary camp established. A PURSUIT. inquired Harry. "Of course we will promise that, or anything else," assented Harry, "and
keep the promise too, if we can. This they readily assented to, and the Moor then produced a piece of
paper, a reed, and some ink. The translation given by the Krooman was--
"To English Consul,--
"We be four Christian slave. We promise
to gib him two hundred dollar for one, or eight hundred dollar for
four, if he take us to you. In this he was prevented by Rais Mourad, who appealed to an officer of
the city guard to protect him. MOORISH JUSTICE. He was ordered, also, to bring his slaves along with him. Bo Muzem was the first to speak. He had sold the other two to his friend Mahommed, who was
present. Mahommed, the grazier was their
present owner. This was soon done. They had been taken away by
force by the Moor, Rais Mourad, from whom he now claimed them. The question
was put, why he retained possession of another man's property. "Yes," answered the merchant, "but I would not accept it." After some hesitation, Bo Muzem answered in the negative. Depart from my presence, all of you." The man Mahommed, whom you call your friend, has bought two
other Christians. He was deceiving you for
the purpose of obtaining them. He could not doubt that the Moor was an intelligent man,
who knew what he was about when buying the slaves. All was clear to him now; and for a moment he stood mute and motionless,
under a sense of shame at his own stupidity. It was a strife for life or
death, witnessed by the slaves who felt no sympathy for either of the
combatants. THE JEW'S LEAP. In other
words, they did not care which got the worst of it. It was a
narrow path along the side of a mountain, the base of which was washed
by the sea. On the left hand side was the sea, about four hundred feet below the
level of the path. There was no hope for any one who should fall from this path,--no hope
but heaven. Not a bush, tree, or any obstacle was seen to offer the slightest
resistance to the downward course of a falling body. It was in the night-time. Harry was behind his companions, and closely followed by one of the
Moors. CONCLUSION. Giving the command to his followers, he led the way into the city. The presence of Terence and Jim in the consulate at Mogador, was soon
explained. On bringing them to the English
consul he was paid a ransom, and they were at once set free. They promised he should be free.