But she was thinking about the carrier
pigeon, and Victoria's advice.
All three looked northward, watching the seven figures on horseback, in
the far distance; but now and then, when they could hope to do so
without being noticed by the Arabs, they stole a hasty glance in the
other direction. "The caravan has stopped," Saidee declared at last. "In
the shadow of a big dune."
"I see, now," said Stephen.
"And I," added Victoria.
"Perhaps after all, it's just an ordinary caravan," Saidee said more
hopefully. "Many nomads come north at this time of year. They may be
making their camp now. Anyway, its certain they haven't moved for some
time."
And still they had not moved, when Nevill Caird was close enough to the
bordj for a shout of greeting to be heard.
"There are two of the strangest-looking creatures with him!" cried
Saidee. "What can they be--on camels!"
"Why," exclaimed Victoria, "it's those men in kilts, who waited on the
table at Mr. Caird's house!"
"Hurrah for Lady MacGregor again!" laughed Stephen. "It's the twins,
Angus and Hamish." He pulled off his panama hat and waved it, shouting to
his friend in joy. "We're a regiment!" he exclaimed gaily.
XLIX
The boy Mohammed was proud and very happy. He had not been in a
motor-car, for he had not got to Touggourt; but it was glorious to have
travelled far north, almost out of the dunes, and not only to have seen
giant women in short skirts with bare legs, but not to be afraid of
them, as the grown-up Arabs were.
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