She had, however, sent her father
word yesterday that she could endure it no longer, and would return
home to-day. He stood at the door awaiting her, unwilling to leave
his tent to go out to meet her, for fear of the thieving Bedouins
that roam the desert, and who knew that his tent contained costly
treasures."
"Then you suppose Butheita will return to her father's to-day?"
"I remained there until I saw her coming in the distance. The
sheik's eagle-eyes recognized her in the dim distance. 'There comes
my daughter, Butheita, with her friends!' he cried, joyously; 'in an
hour she will be here.' I remained some time longer, the sheik
gradually becoming more and more delighted as he recognized his
daughter more distinctly. 'Yes, it is Butheita!' he cried; 'she is
returning home.' Then I took my departure, master, to bring you the
intelligence."
"And how long," asked Mohammed, hastily, his countenance averted--
"how long do you suppose it will take to reach the sheik's tent?"
"I took, as you instructed me, master, the dromedary you recently
purchased from Sheik Arnhyn. It knew the road, and flew on its way
like the wind, without any guidance. I think it call be reached in
two hours."
"In two hours!" repeated Mohammed. "An hour after sunset, this
evening, have the dromedary in readiness, and, for yourself, the
swiftest horse. At that hour we will depart.
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