Draw your cloaks over your heads, wrap these rags about your
chains, so that they do not rattle. Then turn and come back, go close to
the water beyond the storehouses. I will be there with a man to remove
your chains. But keep your faces well covered and do not stop. He will
think you slaves."
With that he passed some rags to them, holding his hands behind his
back, while they stood close to him. Then he turned and hurried back.
Very slowly Feversham and Trench walked forwards in the direction of the
prison; the dusk crept across the river, mounted the long slope of sand,
enveloped them. They sat down and quickly wrapped the rags about their
chains and secured them there. From the west the colours of the sunset
had altogether faded, the darkness gathered quickly about them. They
turned and walked back along the road they had come. The drums were more
numerous now, and above the wall there rose a glare of light. By the
time they had reached the water's edge opposite the storehouses it was
dark. Abou Fatma was already waiting with his blacksmith. The chains
were knocked off without a word spoken.
"Come," said Abou. "There will be no moon to-night. How long before they
discover you are gone?"
"Who knows? Perhaps already Idris has missed us.
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