"That is true. We must trust in God!" said M. Delange.
"Allah defend us!" exclaimed the interpreter.
The small band of horsemen was now only separated from the Bedouins by a very small extent of ground, and they marched on in silence, at a walk, as if they were at a review, each man having his revolver in his hand but concealing it behind the pommel of his saddle. The Nomads, on the contrary, were gesticulating, brandishing their arms, exciting their camels with their voices, and spurring their horses, but without moving from the position they had taken up.
There were no longer any women or children to be seen in the encampment; they had prudently betaken themselves to the tents, in readiness, when the battle should be over, to insult and torture the vanquished.
As he had done at the first interview, M. Périères, followed by an interpreter, rode straight up to the chief, who, mounted on a magnificent steed, was in advance of his force.
"I have found one of my companions. I now come to demand the other."
"I have already told you that he has been killed," answered the chief.
"And I continue to disbelieve you," said M. Périères. "Did you not tell me that both were dead? You knew to the contrary, just as well as you know now where to lay your hands on the one I seek."
"Seek away," said the chief, laughing. "I will open out a passage for you to our tents."
"To enclose us between that species of wall and your men? Not a bit of it! Lead on and we will follow you."
The chief, without moving, laughed aloud and honoured M. Périères with an insolent stare, whilst all his men commenced to brandish their spears and lay hold of their guns.
The young Frenchman, more and more self-possessed, but determined, in the perilous position in which he was placed, to strike some blow which should either kill or cure all, leaned towards Ali and gave him an order.
The interpreter was not sufficiently master of himself to hide his astonishment, so dangerous and difficult of execution did the order seem. But he made ready to obey.
The chief was still in front, some paces from his men.
Then M. Périères, half turning in his saddle towards the escort, said, the Bedouins of course not understanding a word—
"Put away your revolvers, and when you see me advance, take your guns and aim steadily at the men who are nearest to the chief. Ready!"