### 148

You make a hurried departure from Khor and pitch camp for the night on a beach three miles south of the town. Before you settle down to sleep, you and your companions try to determine how far away you are from Bisutan. With the aid of your map and your knowledge of the stars, you proclaim confidently that the city is only two days’ ride away.

The next day you set off before dawn and you make good progress on the coast road. At sunset you set up camp in a grove of lemon trees, where you enjoy the fruits of this orchard with your evening meal of freshly caught sea bass. You sleep well this night, but early the following morning you wake up to an unwelcome surprise.

Turn to 323.