John replies in the affirmative.  The light is hidden under a basket, and then a sound is heard as of a door slowly opening.

“Pass through,” whispers the guide.

Thus they reach the outside, and the wall resumes its innocent appearance.  If they are fortunate, they will avoid the trouble that lay in wait at the door of the old Moor.

John no longer trembles in anticipation of what is to come.  He has been disappointed, and yet bears his burden well.

His guide is yet cautious, believing that one is not safe until out of the woods.  It is possible word may have been sent around among the strolling Moors and Arabs of the old town, that a Frank is wandering about in a burnoose under the care of Mustapha Cadi, and hence discovery, with its attendant desperate conflict, still to come.

By degrees they approach the boundary line, and will soon be safe.

John is obliged to admire the diplomatic way in which the Arab conducts the retreat it would be creditable to a military strategist.  They dodge and hide, now advancing, anon secreting themselves in dark corners.

At last—­success!

Into the brilliant light of the new Algiers they pass; the danger is behind, safety assured.

Then Craig turns to the Arab, and tells him in plain language what he thinks of such remarkable work, and Mustapha humbly answers that he is glad the monsieur is satisfied.

Secretly, he exults in the eulogy; for even an Arab is able to appreciate praise.

Thus they bring up at the hotel.

John looks at the hour, and finds it ten.  He sees the clerk nodding, and, as he repossesses himself of his valuables, accepts the other’s congratulations with respect to having gone through such an experience, and lived to tell the tale.

Where are the others?

They do not seem to be about.

The music has ceased on the square, which is less crowded than before, although many people still saunter about, fakirs cry aloud their goods, and the scene is one which has certain fascinations for the traveler’s eye, a warmth of color not to be found in American cities.

Here venders of fruit drinks serve their wares in an attractive way, with queer jars and fancy glasses that lend quite an inducement to purchase.

Upon making inquiries of the clerk, he finds that his four fellow-tourists have sauntered out some time since, and as yet failed to return; so John also steps outside.

In a moment Mustapha is at his side, and what he whispers is not pleasant news: 

“Monsieur must be careful.  The news has gone abroad that he it was who invaded Al Jezira on this night.  Some one has spread the report that he is a spy, that his mission is to discover the details of the plot that is always going on among my people, for the rescue of Algiers from French hands.  Hence he is watched; they may even proceed to violence.  What little I have learned tells me this.  Be awake; be always ready for defense, and seek not the dark corners where an assassin might lie.  Bismillah!”