In half an hour they have managed to learn an important fact.  The prisoners are in the main cavern.  All escape is cut off by the presence of numerous guards at the mouth of the mine, and they are watched besides.

Mustapha, putting his knowledge of the place into good use, has led his companion into a cleft where there is hardly room to crawl; but, as they reach the end, they have a chance to gaze upon the interior where the Arabs and Kabyles, the Moors and negroes, who battle under the free banner of Bab Azoun, are assembled.

Eagerly John looks upon the face of Lady Ruth.  His heart seems in his throat, and he no longer can deceive himself regarding his true feelings toward this young lady.

“What can we do?” he whispers to the Arab.

“Nothing but wait,” is the reply.

John has a great fear tugging at his heart.  On their way they have discussed the situation, and Mustapha has related the habits of the Arab desert outlaws.  Should it appear that a rescue was imminent, it was their habit to murder any prisoners.

Surely this is enough to arouse John’s keenest fears.  What if the French forces do come and annihilate the robber host—­if the prisoners share their doom, what has been gained?

That is why he asks so anxiously if there is nothing to be done.

The Arab by this time realizes why he is so anxious, and hesitates a little before making reply.

“We must watch and wait.  Monsieur will see something soon.  Watch the soldier.”

This gives John a new idea, and he speedily discovers that Sir Lionel is not idle.  The soldier has been in too many desperate situations to be dismayed over such a trifling thing as this.

He is not bound, and hence can move about.  Now he seems to be talking to the professor, and anon with Aunt Gwen.  Last of all he speaks to Lady Ruth, who nods eagerly.

And a strange feeling comes up in John’s mind as he surveys this scene.  What causes him to remember the harbor of Malta, the words of the boatman before leaving the steamer, the tragic scene in the blue waters?

It comes over him like a flash.  Perhaps he did Sir Lionel an injustice when he suspected him of criminal plotting in such a case, but the circumstances were decidedly against the man.

If he could be guilty of such a scheme, what would he not do in order to win favor at the hands of the young English beauty?

Again it flashes through John’s mind; did not the driver in speaking of the facts tell Mustapha that in his opinion it was a man who had entered into a conspiracy with Bab Azoun?

John’s first thought was of Pauline Potter—­that she had hoped to get hold of him; but now he changes his mind, and locates the trouble elsewhere, fixing it upon the veteran.

Under these circumstances it may be interesting to see how the Briton intends working his plan.  John’s only desire is a sincere wish that Lady Ruth may be rescued from her predicament.  He has no wish to put her to any unnecessary trouble in order that he may play the hero.  As well Sir Lionel as any one else, so long as she is benefited.