"If only there were horses in this accursed desert!" "It is four days' journey," said Talib considering.

"And beyond Elim there is no water before the Wells of Moses.

Certainly if we could get good dromedaries--" "And if," interrupted Hermas, "it were not better that you, my lord centurion, should not go so far from the oasis.

For over there they say that the Blemmyes are gathering, and I myself am going across as a spy so soon as it is dark." Phoebicius looked down gloomily considering the matter.

The news had reached him too that the sons of the desert were preparing for a new incursion, and he cried to Talib angrily but decidedly, as he turned his back upon Hermas, "You must ride alone to Klysma, and try to capture her.