Part 12 (1/2)

THE FLIGHT THROUGH THE TOWN.

It was a critical situation for the three fugitives, crouching behind the heavy prison door. That grim sentry over yonder by the gate must be noiselessly and effectually overpowered, and that at once. Any moment guards might come from the palace, and then--oh, it was horrible! The public square, the executioner's gleaming knife, the roar of the populace!

Guy's brain whirled at this appalling panorama, and he clutched the door for support.

”Can't we rush on him?” asked Melton.

Canaris laughed grimly.

”Before we could take three steps from the door,” he said, ”the fellow would see us and alarm the palace. If I go alone the chances are that before you can reach me he would succeed in making an outcry. Our only hope lies in getting away from the town before our escape is discovered.”

”But what are you going to do, Canaris?” asked Guy excitedly. ”We are losing precious time.”

”Keep cool,” replied the Greek. ”I will fix him in five minutes. Stay where you are and don't make a sound. When I wave my hand, then come.”

He removed his burnous and stuffed it under his tunic. Then he calmly opened the door and walked straight across the court toward the guard, who looked up carelessly at his approach. With their eyes glued against the cracks of the door Guy and Melton waited in terrible suspense.

A short conversation ensued. Canaris turned and pointed toward the prison. The guard replied with many gestures, and finally in his eagerness placed his rifle against the wall. What followed was so swift and dexterous that it seemed like a dream.

The Greek's right hand shot out from his bosom clasping some glittering object. It struck the astonished guard on the forehead with a sharp click that echoed across the courtyard, and without a sound he dropped on his knees and then rolled over on the stone pavement.

Canaris waved his hand, and then the two captives dashed breathlessly across the courtyard.

”Is he dead?” asked Guy in a horrified whisper.

”Only stunned,” replied Canaris. ”I struck him with the b.u.t.t of my revolver. Quick now; bind and gag him while I find the key and open the gate.”

Guy hastily fastened the fellow's feet and arms and stuffed a roll of linen in his mouth.

Melton stood looking on. His wound was beginning to give him some pain again.

With a low exclamation of triumph Canaris pulled from the Nubian's waist a narrow belt on which hung a ponderous iron key. All rose to their feet. Guy dropped the unconscious guard under the shadow of the wall.

The supreme moment had come. The great courtyard, white in the light of the moon, was empty. The heavy doors leading to the palace were shut.

Behind the high prison walls all seemed quiet. The city was asleep.

The first stage of the journey was accomplished in safety. The terrible pa.s.sage through the town was before them now. With a hand that trembled slightly Canaris inserted the key in the lock. It turned with a harsh rattle, and at a touch of the hand the brazen gate swung outward.

The Greek made a hasty survey and then stepped noiselessly outside. They were in a narrow side street which ran past the Emir's palace. The side toward the prison was in deep shadow. On the other side was a long stone building, with two or three narrow grated windows.

”That is an Arab storehouse opposite,” said Canaris. ”We are safe for the present. Now follow me closely. Walk boldly and fearlessly and keep a few feet apart.”

He started off at a rapid gait, his white burnous tossing on his shoulders, and with fast-beating hearts Guy and Melton came close behind. In five minutes they turned into another narrow pa.s.sage running at right angles, and, continuing along this for forty or fifty yards, made still another turn.

The two streets they had just traversed had been lined for the most part with big warehouses and slave-markets. It was, in fact, the business part of the town, alive with people during the day, deserted at night.

But now a crisis was at hand. Canaris halted his little party in the shadow of a building and pointed straight up the street.

”Yonder lies the main avenue,” he said. ”We must cross it to reach our destination. Keep yourselves well under control, don't show any fear, and if any people are about don't look at them. If they address you make no reply.”

Guy marveled at the Greek's coolness under such terrible circ.u.mstances.