This he swallowed and immediately produced once more from his left elbow.

He had often given his little conjuring entertainment on board the boat, and his fellow-passengers had had some good-natured laughter at his expense, for he was not quite skilful enough to deceive the critical European intelligence.

But now it looked as if this piece of obvious palming might be the point upon which all their fates would hang.

A deep hum of surprise rose from the ring of Arabs, and deepened as the Frenchman drew another date from the nostril of a camel and tossed it into the air, from which, apparently, it never descended.

That gaping sleeve was obvious enough to his companions, but the dim light was all in favour of the performer.