Another little silence.  Then the chief said: 

“I am going to take two men and undertake what seems a preposterous attack.  I need only two.  I shall not call for volunteers, because you would all offer yourselves.  You must stay here.”

“In case my plan succeeds, you are to come at my call—­three long hails.  If my plan fails, Major Bohannan will command you; and I know you will all fight to the last breath and to the final drop of blood!”

“Don’t do this thing, sir!” the major protested.  “What chance of success has it?  These desert men can see, where a white man is blind.  They can scent danger as a hunting-dog scents the spoor of game.  You’re simply throwing your life away, and we need that life!”

“I will take Lieutenant Leclair, who knows these people,” the Master continued, paying no heed, “and Rrisa, who is of their kin.  You others, all sit tight!”

A chuckling laugh, out there on the vague sands, seemed to mock him.  It burst into a raw, barking cachinnation, that somehow stirred the blood with shrinking horror.

“One of the Sahara Sanitary Corps,” remarked Leclair, dryly.  “A hyena.  Well may he laugh!  Feasting enough for him and his before this dance is over!”

A gleam of fire, off to the left where the farther dunes approached the sea, suddenly began to show.  All eyes turned toward it.  The little fire soon grew into a leaping flame, its base hidden by sand-mounds.

No Arabs were visible there, but they had surely lighted it, using driftwood from the beach.  Up into the purple-velvet night whirled sparks and fire-tongues; red smoke spiraled on the vagrant desert breeze.

“A signal-fire, Master!” whispered Rrisa.  “It will be seen in far oases.  If it burn two hours, that will mean an enemy with great plunder.  Others of the Beni Harb will come; there will be gathering of the tribes.  That fire must not burn, M’alme!”

“Nor must the Beni Harb live!” To the major:  “Collect a dozen lethal guns and bring them to me!”

When the guns were at hand, the Master apportioned them between Leclair, Rrisa, and himself.  With the one apiece they already had, each man carried five of the guns, in pockets and in belt.  The small remaining stock of lethal pellets were distributed and the weapons fully loaded.

“In three minutes, Major,” said the Master, “we leave these lines.  Ten minutes after that, open a scattering fire, all along the trench.  Shoot high, so as to be sure we are not hit.”

“Ah, a barrage, sir?” the major exclaimed.

“Not in the least.  My purpose is quite different.  Never mind, but listen to my orders.  Keep up that fire sparingly, for five minutes.  Then cease.  And keep silent till we return.

“Remember, I will give three long hails when we start to come back.  Those will warn you not to shoot if you see dim figures in the night.  Either we shall be back in these lines by nine o’clock, or—­”