Suddenly Shalah's movements became stealthy.

Crouching in every patch of shade, and crossing open spaces on our bellies, we turned from the stream, surmounted a knoll, and came down on a wooded valley.

Shalah looked westwards, held up his hand, and stood poised for a minute like a graven image.

Then he grunted and spoke.

"We are safe," he said.