It was after supper, when Blenkiron had gone peacefully to sleep and I was beginning to count the hours till the morning.

I could not close an eye during these days and not much at night.
Hussin did not light a lantern.

I heard his key in the lock, and then his light step close to where we lay.
'Are you asleep ?' he said, and when I answered he sat down beside me.
'The horses are found,' he said, 'and the Master bids me tell you that we start in the morning three hours before dawn.' It was welcome news.

'Tell me what is happening,' I begged; 'we have been lying in this tomb for three days and heard nothing.' 'The guns are busy,' he said.

'The Allemans come to this place every hour, I know not for what.