The Krooman instantly arose, and sauntered after.
He was observed by the quick eye of Golah, who called to him to come away; which he did, but not before quenching his thirst, that did not appear to be very great.
On the Krooman's return from the well, he informed Harry that he had spoken to the Arab sheik. He had said, "Buy us. You will get plenty of money for us in Swearah;" and that the reply of the sheik was, "The white slaves are dogs, and not worth buying."
"Then we have no hope from that source!" exclaimed Terence.
The Krooman shook his head; not despondently, but as if he did not agree in the opinion Terence had expressed.
"What! do you think there is any hope?" asked Harry.
The Krooman vouchsafed no explanation, but sauntered silently away.
When the sun was within two or three hours of setting over the Saära, the Arabs struck their tents, and started off in the direction of the dry well--from whence Golah and his caravan had just come. After they had disappeared behind the hill, Golah's son was sent to its top to watch them, while his women and slaves were ordered to strike the tents as quickly as possible.
Then waiting till the shades of night had descended over the desert, and the strangers were beyond the reach of vision, Golah gave orders to resume the march once more in a southeasterly direction--which would carry them away from the seacoast--and, as the white slaves believed, from all chances of their ever recovering their freedom.
The Krooman, on the contrary, appeared to be pleased at their taking this direction, notwithstanding the objections he had expressed to going inland.
During the night's journey Golah still seemed to have some fear of the Arabs; and so great was his desire to place as much ground as possible between himself and them, that he did not halt, until the sun was more than two hours above the horizon.
For some time before a halt had been planned, Fatima, his favorite wife, had been riding by his side, and making, what seemed, from the excited movements of both, an important communication.
After the tents had been pitched, and food was about being served out, Golah commanded the mother of the boy carried by Colin to produce the bag of figs that had been intrusted to her keeping.