As far as he could see there was sand--nothing but sand, as white as paper, scintillating in a billion flashing needle-points in the starlight.

Instinctively he guessed what the stakes were for, and walked toward them with the blood turning cold in his veins.

Neil was before him and stopped at the first stake, making no effort to lift his eyes as Nathaniel strode past him.

At the second, a dozen feet beyond, Nathaniel's two guards halted, and placed him with his back to the post.

Two minutes later, bound hand and foot to the stake, he shifted his head so that he could look at his companion.
Neil was similarly fastened, with his face turned partly toward him.
There was no change in his attitude.