Mohammed had not tarried long after their departure.  He gathered his train together, selected a few costly presents that had been returned from the harem and advanced on the boat without delay.  The captain of the “Flitter” stared long and hard at the gaily bedecked launches and then called to his first officer.  Together they watched the ceremonious approach.  A couple of brown-faced heralds came aboard first and announced the approach of the mighty chief.  Captain Perry went forward to greet the sheik as he came over the side of the ship, but he was brushed aside by the advance guards.  Half a hundred swarthy fellows crowded aboard and then came the sheik, the personification of pomp and pride.

“Where is she?” he asked in his native tongue.  The passengers were by this time aware of the visitation, and began to straggle on deck, filled with curiosity.  “What the devil do you mean by coming aboard in this manner?” demanded the now irate Captain Perry, shoving a couple of retainers out of his path and facing the beaming suitor.  An interpreter took a hand at this juncture and the doughty captain finally was made to understand the object of the visit.  He laughed in the sheik’s face and told the mate to call up a few jackies to drive the “dagoes” off.  “Rip” Van Winkle interfered and peace was restored.  The cruise had changed “Rip” into a happier and far more radiant creature, so it was only natural that he should have shared the secret with Mary Valentine.  He had told the story of the sheik’s demand to her as soon as he came aboard, and she had divulged it to Peggy the instant “Rip” was out of sight.

Brewster found the sheik sitting in state on the upper deck impatiently awaiting the appearance of his charmer.  He did not know her name, but he had tranquilly commanded “Rip” to produce all of the women on board so that he might select Peggy from among them.  Van Winkle and Bragdon, who now was in the secret, were preparing to march the ladies past the ruler when Monty came up.

“Has he seen Peggy?” he asked of Van Winkle.

“Not yet.  She is dressing for the occasion.”

“Well, wait and see what happens to him when she gets over the first shock,” laughed Monty.

Just then the sheik discovered Peggy, who, pretty as a picture, drew near the strange group.  To her amazement two slaves rushed forward and obstructed her passage long enough to beat their heads on the deck a few times, after which they arose and tendered two magnificent necklaces.  She was prepared for the proposal, but this action disconcerted her; she gasped and looked about in perplexity.  Her friends were smiling broadly and the sheik had placed his hands over his palpitating heart.

“Lothario has a pain,” whispered “Rip” Van Winkle sympathetically, and Brewster laughed.  Peggy did not hesitate an instant after hearing the laugh.  She walked straight toward the sheik.  Her cheeks were pink and her eyes were flashing dangerously.  The persistent brown slaves followed with the jewels, but she ignored them completely.  Brave as she intended to be, she could not repress the shudder of repulsion that went over her as she looked full upon this eager Arab.