The Sheik

The men were riding in unusual silence, though a low

exclamation or the subdued jingle of accoutrements was heard

occasionally, once some one fired at a night creature that bounded out

from almost under his horse's feet. But the Sheik flung a word of

savage command over his shoulder and there were no more shots. Diana

stirred slightly, moving her head so that she could see his face

showing clearly in the bright moonlight, which threw some features into

high relief and left the rest in dark shadow. She looked at him with

quickening breath. He was peering intently ahead, his eyes flashing in

the cold light, his brows drawn together in the characteristic heavy

scowl, and the firm chin, so near her face, was pushed out more

doggedly than usual.

He felt her move and glanced down. For a moment she looked straight

into his eyes, and then with a low, inarticulate murmur she hid her

face against him. He did not speak, but he shifted her weight a little,

drawing her closer into the curve of his arm.

It was very late when they reached the camp. Lights flashed up in the

big tent and on all sides, and they were surrounded by a crowd of

excited tribesmen and servants. In spite of the hard day's work The

Hawk started plunging and rearing, his invariable habit on stopping,

which nothing could break, and at a word from the Sheik two men leaped

to his head while he transferred Diana to Yusef's outstretched arms.

She was stiff and giddy, and the young man helped her to the door of

the tent, and then vanished again into the throng of men and horses.

Diana sank wearily on to the divan and covered her face with her hands.

She was trembling with fatigue and apprehension. What would he do to

her? She asked herself the question over and over again, with shaking,

soundless lips, praying for courage, nerving herself to meet him. At

last she heard his voice and, looking up, saw him standing in the

doorway. His back was turned, and he was giving orders to a number of

men who stood near him, for she could hear their several voices; and

shortly afterwards half-a-dozen small bands of men rode quickly away in

different directions. For a few moments he stood talking to Yusef and

then came in. At the sight of him Diana shrank back among the soft

cushions, but he took no notice of her, and, lighting a cigarette,

began walking up and down the tent. She dared not speak to him, the

expression on his face was terrible.