Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/403

 like the movements of cavalry. Ha! I was not mistaken, they are horsemen—look!"

The doctor scanned the group attentively.

"I believe you are right," said he. "It is a detachment of Arabs from Tibbous; they are flying in the same direction as we, but we are going faster, and will easily overtake them. In half an hour we shall be within sight, and be able to determine upon our course of action."

Kennedy had again seized the glass, and was attentively studying the group. They had become more visible; some of them were separated from the others.

"It is evident," replied Kennedy, "that it is some maneuver being executed, or it is a hunt. They seem to be chasing something. I should like to know what it is."

"Patience, Dick, we shall soon have come up with them, and even passed them, if they continue to keep the same course. We are going at twenty miles an hour, and no horse can keep up such a pace as that."

Kennedy resumed his scrutiny, and some minutes afterwards he said:

"These Arabs are going at top speed—I can distinguish them perfectly. There are about fifty of them—I see their bournous flying in the wind. It is cavalry exercise, their chief is a hundred paces in front, and they are after him."

"Whatever they may be, we need not fear them; and, if necessary, I can ascend."

"Wait—wait a moment, Samuel!'

"This is very odd," added Dick, after examining the troop anew; "there is something that I do not understand. In their headlong speed and the irregularity of their formation these Arabs have rather the appearance of pursuers than followers."

"Are you sure of that, Dick?"

"It is certain; I am not mistaken. It is a chase, but a man-chase. It is not their chief they are pursuing, after all; it is a fugitive."

"A fugitive!" said Samuel, with emotion.

"Yes."

"We must not lose sight of them—but wait."

They quickly gained upon the troop, which was going, nevertheless, at a great pace.