Arrayed from head to ankles in spotless white, their black boots looking
blacker by comparison, they proceeded in the general direction of
the distant village, with the order and decorum of sea lords descending
on a dockyard for inspection purposes. The trackless sand proved
hot and sharp; the dog proved in poor condition from the voyage
and the morning's incidental martyrdom, and Byng was generous-hearted.
He picked up the dog and carried him; and Scamp displayed his gratitude
in customary canine way.
The comments of the watching Arabs would not fit into any story in
the world, and it is quite as well that Crothers and Joe Byng did
not hear them and could not have translated them, for in the other
case trouble would have started even sooner than it did. As it was,
they tumbled and maneuvered over unresisting sand through almost
tangible stench to where a gap in the ragged wall did duty as a gate.
As they came nearer, a banner with the star and crescent was displayed
from the wall-top, but no other sign was given that their coming
was observed.
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