Some distance away, and surrounded by his grim-looking guard, sat Malak, who, though he did not rise to receive me, beckoned me to his side with more politeness than usual.

It was a weird, strange sight.

The repulsive, half-naked figures leaping round the fire, the silent, awestruck crowd of Baluchis, the wild barbaric music, and pillar of flame flashing on the dark, sullen face of Malak and his followers, was not a little impressive, especially as I was in a state of pleasing uncertainty as to the object of my host's sudden change of manner, and whether this might not be a little dramatic introduction to an attack upon our party.

This was, however, evidently not my sulky friend's intention, for, as I rose to go, he actually stood up and took my hand.

"At Gajjar," he said, "you will be able to get all you want, but take my advice, and get away from here early to-morrow morning.