The camels swung forward in steady trot, keeping the line and the intervals so exactly that those following seemed to tread in the tracks of the leader.

The riders spoke not once.
By-and-by the moon came up.

And as the three tall white figures sped, with soundless tread, through the opalescent light, they appeared like specters flying from hateful shadows.

Suddenly, in the air before them, not farther up than a low hill-top flared a lambent flame; as they looked at it, the apparition contracted into a focus of dazzling lustre.

Their hearts beat fast; their souls thrilled; and they shouted as with one voice, "The Star! the Star! God is with us!".