Part 9 (1/2)

”Nora!” cried the earl; and he held out his arms.

”My pigeons are waiting for me,” said the cardinal; and he went away, limping.

THE DESERT

Far down in the Desert of Sahara is the little oasis of El Merb. It is so small that our crude atlases miss it. It has but one well, and the fertile land is not more than forty rods in diameter. It has a mosque, a bazaar, a slave-market, and a cafe. It is called by the traders of Biskra ”The Key of the Desert.” It is called by the Mohammedan priests of Biskra ”The Treasury of the Desert.” It is called by the French commandant at Biskra ”A place to be watched.” The only communication between El Merb and Biskra is by camels, and Abdullah was once the chief caravan-master.

Abdullah, having felt the humps of his camels, turned to his driver.

”We start to-morrow, Ali,” he said; ”the beasts are fit.”

Ali bowed and showed his white teeth.

”To-morrow,” continued Abdullah, ”since it is Friday; and immediately after the middle prayer. I hear in the bazaar that the well at Okba is choked. Can we make forty-two miles in one day, so as to cut Okba out?”

”We can,” said Ali, ”during the first three days, when the beasts do not drink; after that--no.”

”Good,” said Abdullah; ”I will make a route.”

Some one plucked at his sleeve and he turned.

”Sir,” said a man with a white beard and eager eyes, ”I learn that you start for Biskra to-morrow.”

”If Allah wills,” said Abdullah.

”In crossing the desert,” said the old man, ”I am told there are many dangers.”

”Friend,” said Abdullah, ”in sitting at home there are many dangers.”

”True,” said the old man; and, after an interval, he added, ”I think I may trust you.”

Abdullah shrugged his shoulders and rolled a cigarette.

”Would it please you,” said the old man, ”to take a pa.s.senger for Biskra?”

”At a price,” replied Abdullah, striking a match.

”What is the price?” asked the old man.

”Do you pay in dates, hides, ivory, or gold-dust?”

”In dust,” replied the old man.

Abdullah threw away his cigarette. ”I will carry you to Biskra,” said he, ”for eight ounces, and will furnish you with dates. If you desire other food, you must provide it. You shall have water, if I do.”

”It is not for myself that I seek pa.s.sage,” said the old man, ”but for my daughter.”

”In that event,” said Abdullah, ”the price will be nine ounces. Women cast responsibility upon me.”