It was evident that the Arabs who were grouped round the victims were to remain behind with them, while the others who were mounted would guard the three women and himself.

He could not understand why the throats of his companions had not been already cut, unless it were that with an Eastern refinement of cruelty this rearguard would wait until the Egyptians were close to them, so that the warm bodies of their victims might be an insult to the pursuers.

No doubt that was the right explanation.

The Colonel had heard of such a trick before.
But in that case there would not be more than twelve Arabs with the prisoners.

Were there any of the friendly ones among them?
If Tippy Tilly and six of his men were there, and if Belmont could get his arms free and his hand upon his revolver, they might come through yet.
The Colonel craned his neck and groaned in his disappointment.