New-York tribune., 1910-06-05
CHAPTER XVII.

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that his own men of Company NJ could have
broken camp with no more celerity- The
echoes of the bugler's mount had not died
away before the squadron was ready 10
move 1t trOtted out into the trail, DiCh,
speculating as to which direction it would
take, and then, somewhat to his surprise, it
turned northward toward NIebinez, follow
ing the banks of the stream.
The Kaid seemed disinclined to conversa-
ton, and Dick, glancing at him now and
then. decided that his plans had been formed.
Throughout the entire forenoon scarcely a
dozen sentences We're interchanged between
them. Once he called Sidi Sulevrnan to his
side, and the American, fearing that he
would intrtde, dropped back and rode in the
rear for a considerable distance. As he did
so, he noticed a new and peculiar friendiness
manifested by the bronzed riders who passed
him. Moving slowly at the side of the road,
he saw with some amazement that each
trooper, in passing. gave him the salute. and
was at loss to understand this change of
attitude until it was explained to him by
SdiS Subaltern, who rode in the extreme
rear.
Does his ExCellenCy speak Arabic?" the
officer questioned with a smile
Some of it, and understand more
His Excellency is Kaid in his own coun-
try"
Who told you that?"
"El Captain, Sidi Suleyman, who also
says his Excellency is a very brave man like
kaid Clarke"
Dick was endeavoring to formulate SEN
tences of disavowal when Sidi galloped back,
beCkOned another man from the detach-
ment, apparently gave him some inStrtIc-
tons, and then fell into his own place in the
troop. Evidently another courier had been
despatched; for the man rode rapidly ahead
of the hOrsemen and disappeared in the
winding hilly trail.
A I noon they made the customary halt;
but this time there was no cooling shade
to protect them from the sun. Dick was
again surprised when he saw that they were
pitching the tents on lone hill by the bank
of the stream as If planning somewhat ex-
tenSive stay. Why they should decide to
stop almost in the edge of far flung plain
was beyond his imagination. Knowing the
EnglShman SO well. however ne held his
tongue, confident that sooner or later the
kaid would explain. He did so after they
had concluded their luncheon.
How does this strike YOU as battle
feld?" he asked.
Dick looked at him inquiringlv.
DO you remember the maps of last
night! Well, | have it reasoned out this
way. If Teleya was the most central meet
ing place for the sheiks, it is the natural
heart of the rebellion. Buhammeis ad-
vance, as far as his plans can be made. will
be on identically the same lines as those of
civilized warfare. That being the case his
followers will concentrate on Televa, and
then take this route toward Fez or AIekinez.
which from here are equally distant As
explained to YOU last night. this is the most
logical point of concentration for nv men.
by tomorrow night can have enough men
here to meet any force that believe it pos
slble for Buhammei TO bring against us. If
he does not concentrate with a rapidity
equal to mine, have troops enough To adj
vance on Teleya and prevent any concen-
tratiOn on his part. Unless he is a more
adrolt leader than any they have ever had.
so much that his forces have been organized
without our knowing, can put down this
uprising in two weeks hard work. If his
men are assembling, this is the place where
we must whip them"
HIS followers were browsing in the shade
OF their tents that afternoon when an