He sees the clerk nodding, and, as he repossesses himself of his valuables, accepts the other's congratulations with respect to having gone through such an experience, and lived to tell the tale.
Where are the others?
They do not seem to be about.
The music has ceased on the square, which is less crowded than before, although many people still saunter about, fakirs cry aloud their goods, and the scene is one which has certain fascinations for the traveler's eye, a warmth of color not to be found in American cities.
Here venders of fruit drinks serve their wares in an attractive way, with queer jars and fancy glasses that lend quite an inducement to purchase.
Upon making inquiries of the clerk, he finds that his four fellow-tourists have sauntered out some time since, and as yet failed to return; so John also steps outside.
In a moment Mustapha is at his side, and what he whispers is not pleasant news: "Monsieur must be careful.

The news has gone abroad that he it was who invaded Al Jezira on this night.

Some one has spread the report that he is a spy, that his mission is to discover the details of the plot that is always going on among my people, for the rescue of Algiers from French hands.

Hence he is watched; they may even proceed to violence.
What little I have learned tells me this.

Be awake; be always ready for defense, and seek not the dark corners where an assassin might lie.
Bismillah!" This is pleasant, indeed.
John has something of the feeling that comes upon the man who awaits the verdict of the jury.
At the same time he is resolved to take the advice given, and be on his guard.
As he saunters around, he fails to see those whom he seeks, though soon becoming conscious of the fact that he is watched and followed.
This does not add to his pleasure.
From the hints Mustapha has dropped, he begins to realize that there is some sort of a league in Al Jezira, looking toward an uprising and the coming of a patriot leader, who will take charge of the rebellion.
He has gained the ill-will of these conspirators by this night visit to the old town, and how unfortunate this may be for him, the future may prove.
It is while he wanders about the square, keeping in the light, and always on his guard, that John receives something of a shock.
He sees a figure ahead, a figure garbed as a sister.