Cuthbert had in every way endeavoured to ingratiate himself with his guard.

He had most willingly obeyed their smallest orders, had shown himself pleased and grateful for the dates which formed the staple of their repasts.

He had assumed so innocent and quiet an appearance that the Arabs had marvelled much among themselves, and had concluded that there must have been some mistake in the assertion of the governor's guard who had handed the prisoner over to them, that he was one of the terrible knights of King Richard's army.
Cuthbert's heart had not fallen for a moment.

He knew well that if he once reached Cairo all hope of escape was at an end; and it was before reaching that point that he determined if possible to make an effort for freedom.

He had noticed particularly the camel which appeared to be the fleetest of the band; it was of lighter build than the rest, and it was with difficulty that its rider had compelled it to accommodate itself to the pace of the others.