Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/123

 and prevented him from trying to release Zack by force; for well they knew the temper of these Saharan visionaries.

"Lemme go! lemme go! quit dis foolishness. I'm financial jes same as you." Zack struggled vainly with Muza's fierce-eyed bodyguard, who were selected for their strength. Then Lyttleton spoke in Arabic to Sheikh Muza but gained no answer. Muza's sharp, black eyes glittered with hate for these sons of Christian dogs. Hundreds of turbans were massed in the sandy space outside, waiting but a word from him who represented the sanctity of their religion. Behind the little group of Europeans stood other silent men in robes and turbans and sun-scorced faces. It was the month of fervor and fanatics, it was Ramadan, the month of the pilgrimage. A hasty word might fan their smoldering zeal into a whirlwind of riot; and the British hesitated while Lyttleton consulted with McDonald. McDonald shook his head. From the throng behind them an aged man came forth, richly dressed, with a band of blue in his turban. With grave salutations he salaamed before the sheikh, addressing him in a tongue which even Lyttleton could not understand. Muza neither moved nor changed countenance; the old Arab continued speaking smoothly and his words were few. The spearmen heard him with reverence, yet looked