However, as he was under the protection of their leader's harem, there was nothing more to be said; and at an order from Mahmud all but four of them rode off, while the others fell in behind him.
Mahmud did not mount again, but walked with his wife to a deserted mud hut, two hundred yards away.

There he left her, telling Gregory and Zaki to sit down outside, and placing the four men on guard.
"I must rejoin my men," he said, as he mounted.

"When your vessels have gone, I will return." Half an hour later, the fire ceased.

Soon afterwards Mahmud rode up with a score of men, followed by some dozen women, and a slave leading a donkey.

On this Fatma took her seat, and the women surrounded her.
Gregory and Zaki walked close behind them.