*
When the dust had settled and Albert realised that his sister, Phoebe, was missing he experienced conflicting feelings. He had seen her with "that native" on previous occasions, and only his sister's assurances that she intended to have nothing to do with him had prevented him from challenging the Sheik to a duel to the death. He had immediately recognised him from his piercing blue eyes, unusual in an arab and his first instinct was to give chase immediately. However common sense and cowardice overcome this chivalrous instinct and he decided to journey on to the next major trading centre and attempt to raise a small force to ride back and rescue her from the clutches of the infidel.
He dwelt lovingly on the horrors of her situation, unchaperoned and unwed and not even carried off by a properly christian gentleman. Her fate was almost too much for him to contemplate and he thought endlessly about what might be happening to her, alone and unprotected.
It was another three day's journey to reach the town which was merely a small settlement at an old Roman well which had been repaired and maintained as a place to water the camels and to replenish their own supplies of water and foodstuffs.
There was, however, a police post and it was to this place which Albert headed the morning after reaching the settlement. After he had explained the situation and described at length his chagrin and dismay at his sister's abduction the policeman agreed to telegraph back to the city for re-inforcements. However, the reputation of Sheik Alad bin Rasche was as well known in the region as his hideout was not, and Captain Hughes was not confident that a successful outcome would follow.
"My poor sister," cried Albert, wringing his hands and sobbing, "The fellow will have to be made to marry her - and him a heathen!!"
Captain Hughes had formed an instant dislike for Albert but the situation was serious and called for immediate action. He felt sorry for the girl, helpless in the hands of a war lord and with no hope of escape except by death in the desert.
He sent a cable to the capital and requested a company of troops from the Camel Corps to be dispatched immediately.
"It will be several days before they arrive." he told Albert, "You had best stay with me in my quarters. The only accommodation here is not for gentlemen." He sighed to himself and hoped that the backup force would arrive with all speed.
The camel train had left at dawn and Albert was left to his own devices for the rest of the day. He very soon exhausted the delights of the village and started to look to improving the minds and morals of the population. Bringing out his store of bibles he began to talk to the men drinking coffee at the coffee house, pointing out to them the error of their ways.
Phoebe spent the next painful days exploring the Lost Oasis, as its residents called it. As she had surmised, it was an old Roman fort with a well which had been cleaned and repaired and which now supplied ample water for the needs of those who relied on it.
Within the walls of the fort was a population of some thirty-five people; the men who rode out with the Sheik and their women, children and servants. There was a well equipped stable for the beautiful horses which the men used, and there were camels to be used as pack animals and for long journeys. Vegetables were cultivated - closely guarded from the herd of goats which seemed to be the main source of both milk and meat. Hens scratched in the dirt and roosted among the ruins.
Alad had warned her that it would be considered a serious breach of etiquette to speak to the men but she was starting to get to know the women and children. She discovered that women in this desert encampment were afforded considerably more freedom than their city sisters - a necessity here where everybody had a contribution to the running of the community.
She took all her meals alone with Alad, who had remained at the Lost Oasis since she had been brought there, but knew that when he rode out again she would either have to eat alone or join the other women.
It was several hours later when Captain Hughes received a reply from headquarters:
"TOP SECRET - URGENT"The Sheik is on a mission for the government and it is of the HIGHEST priority that nothing is done to jeopardize his position or expose his cover.
"Await contact from him regarding the lost baggage but do not, repeat do not, do anything to upset the operation.
"Sending small camel corps troop to distract the interested party and ensure that he sets out in the correct direction to rescue his goods.
"Her majesty is relying on you to bring about a successful outcome. Good luck!"
It would appear that he was going to have Albert with him for a little longer than he had at first anticipated. He sighed. It seemed to him that it would be essential to send him on his way with the camel corps before he made contact with The Sheik and he hoped that the Sheik was aware of the danger which he would precipitate if he inadvertently came face to face with Phoebe's indignant relative.
To draw official attention to himself by abducting an innocent girl at such a time seemed to be the height of stupidity but he had heard that The Sheik was as astute as he was brave and he therefore reasoned that there was a purpose to his actions.
Captain Hughes was still cogitating about the Sheik's motives when a runner burst into his office.
"Captain, there is a disturbance at the cafe. The Englishman has been attacked!!"
Wearily, Captain Hughes stood up and buckled on his belt. He had felt in his bones that Albert was trouble. He sighed and strode out into the sunlight.
The cafe was a small room on the one and only street in the little town. There were a few threadbare cushions scattered around and several small tables were strategically placed. As Captain Hughes entered he was almost knocked off his feet by the force of a body being propelled into the street. The room was in disarray with upturned tables and spilt coffee attesting to the altercation which had recently taken place.
After giving the room a quick onceover he turned back into the street where Albert was in the process of picking himself up from the dusty roadway. Just then, a rain of books hurtled through the doorway. It was Albert's bibles.
Picking up one of the offending books Captain Hughes slowly counted to ten before saying, "You are lucky that you are still in one peace. To bring bibles into this village, a staunch Muslim enclave, is dangerous at the best of times and today is an Islamic Holy Day."
Albert drew himself up to his full height and with what dignity he could muster said "I am here to do the Lord's Work."
He fell to his knees and began to pray loudly. The men who had so recently ejected him from the cafe took instant umbrage at this effrontery and, despite the presence of Captain Hughes and his men, started towards him once more.
Captain Hughes stepped forward into their path and demanded that they stay their hand. Sullenly they heeded his words and backed away.
"I am going to have to take you into protective custody." Captain Hughes told Albert, "You will not be safe here in the town from now on. It will be several days before the Camel Corps arrives and I need to keep you alive until then."
Scrabbling around in the dust, Albert began to collect his precious bibles.
"I will collect your bibles for you," said Captain Hughes, "It would be sacrilege to ask one of my men to pick them up on this holy day."
Summoning one of his men to take Albert to safety he began to pick up the bibles from the dust where they lay. Putting them back into the leather case from which Albert had extracted them he followed his men back to the Police Post.
Albert was waiting for him there, barely able to suppress his indignation. Handing him his case of bibles, the Captain escorted him to the one and only cell and, with some relief, turned the key in the lock.
Phoebe's stiffness gradually wore off. After two days, Alad again took her for a gentle ride and by the end of the week she was painfree and starting to enjoy the new freedom of riding astride. Paloma had an unexpected turn of speed and she and Alad were able to gallop out across the desert, drinking in the cool morning air, before returning to a leisurely breakfast.
Sitting down to a repast of fruit and coffee, Alad sighed and said "I am going to have to be away for a few days. While I'm gone I want you to stay within the boundaries of the oasis."
A steely look came into Phoebe's eyes. Much as she had enjoyed the last couple of weeks she was still looking for a means of escaping from the Lost Oasis and this opportunity would be too good to pass up.
Observing this, Alad pulled her over to him and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Do as you are told, ma petite. It is a big, dangerous world out there."
His lips met hers in a gentle kiss. Phoebe felt herself responding and immediately the kiss deepened. Pressing herself to him, she could feel the hardness of his body against her and a flush rose up through her as her heart beat faster. Gently he released her.
"Stay safe, my little one," said Alad, "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Phoebe watched him make his preparations for departure. He was riding a thoroughbred camel and rather than lead a pack animal he had slung a bag of supplies over the saddle. Accompanying him were three of his men. They carried rifles and appeared to Phoebe to be rather hung about with knives. The group looked dangerous and ready for trouble.
Fleetingly, Phoebe wondered what their business was but she was almost entirely taken up with her own plans for escaping the Lost Oasis at her first opportunity and gave very little thought to their mission. As far as she was concerned, the further away they went, the better for her plans. But she would miss him. She had come to look forward to the time she spent in his company. He was an interesting conversationalist and a charming host, though she deplored his tendency to laugh at her.
Just as he was about to mount his camel he saw her watching him. He walked over to where she was standing and took her gently by the shoulders.
"I will be gone for a few days. Stay here and wait for me. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Without waiting for a reply he strode off, mounted his camel and he and his little band of followers turned and rode out of the fort.
"A few days!" Phoebe mused, "Better then to wait a while before I make my bid for freedom."
She rose early the next morning and saddled Paloma. The mare was restive and plainly reluctant to leave the stableyard without her mate, Satan. Phoebe held her on a tight rein as she left the compound and as soon as they were away from the fort she urged her into a gallop.