"We have been brought here to fight for our friends, Harut, Marut and Co., against their rebellious subjects, or rather the king who reigns jointly with them." "It looks like it," he replied quietly, "but doubtless we shall find out the truth in time and meanwhile speculation is no good.

Do you go to bed, Quatermain, I will watch till midnight and then wake you." That night passed in safety.

Next day we marched before the dawn, passing through country that grew continually better watered and more fertile, though it was still open plain but sloping upwards ever more steeply.

On this plain I saw herds of antelopes and what in the distance looked like cattle, but no human being.

Before evening we camped where there was good water and plenty of food for the camels.
While the camp was being set Harut came and invited us to follow him to the outposts, whence he said we should see a view.