There is no disease that does not have its remedy, and he finds a loop-hole of escape here.
As they gallop along they come to a structure built upon the road-side--a singular affair it was once upon a time, being made of stone.

John recognizes features that tell him this deserted place was once a holy spot, the tomb of a _marabout_, or saint, built in a manner to suit the taste of the departed.
It has been long deserted, as too public, and the holy relics moved to some more secluded tomb within the walls of the cemetery on the high hill of Bouzareah.
This is their chance.
To continue the race means positive overhauling and doubtless death, while by accepting the chance that fortune has thrown in their way they may keep their enemies at bay until aid comes, for John has not forgotten the mission of Monsieur Constans.
He calls a halt, and briefly explains his plans.

All of them see that the horses they ride are not in the race when compared with the magnificent steeds of their pursuers, and recognizing the fact that what John suggests is probably the best thing to be done under the existing circumstances, they quickly dismount.
The horses are then started along the road in the hope that they will lure the pursuers on while the little party pass through the opening, and enter the quaint building, once the resting-place of a holy Mohammedan's bones..