It is some cavalry exercise that they are going through.
Their chief is a hundred paces ahead of them and they
are rushing after him at headlong speed."
"Whoever they may be, Dick, they are not to be
feared, and then, if necessary, we can go higher."
"Wait, doctor--wait a little!"
"It's curious," said Kennedy again, after a brief pause,
"but there's something going on that I can't exactly explain.
By the efforts they make, and the irregularity of
their line, I should fancy that those Arabs are pursuing
some one, instead of following."
"Are you certain of that, Dick?"
"Oh! yes, it's clear enough now. I am right! It is a
pursuit--a hunt--but a man-hunt! That is not their chief
riding ahead of them, but a fugitive."
"A fugitive!" exclaimed the doctor, growing more
and more interested.
"Yes!"
"Don't lose sight of him, and let us wait!"
Three or four miles more were quickly gained upon
these horsemen, who nevertheless were dashing onward
with incredible speed.
"Doctor! doctor!" shouted Kennedy in an agitated
voice.
"What is the matter, Dick?"
"Is it an illusion? Can it be possible?"
"What do you mean?"
"Wait!" and so saying, the Scot wiped the sights of
his spy-glass carefully, and looked through it again intently.
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