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diff --git a/43267-8.txt b/43267-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c5194dc..0000000 --- a/43267-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7481 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Captured by the Arabs, by James H. Foster - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Captured by the Arabs - - -Author: James H. Foster - - - -Release Date: July 20, 2013 [eBook #43267] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTURED BY THE ARABS*** - - -E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Matthew -Wheaton, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 43267-h.htm or 43267-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43267/43267-h/43267-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43267/43267-h.zip) - - - - - -[Illustration: The rough-looking Arabs darted out and surrounded -the Americans. (_Page 191_)] - - -CAPTURED BY THE ARABS - -by - -JAMES FOSTER - - - - - - - -A. L. Burt Company, Publishers -New York Chicago - -Copyright, 1933, by -A. L. Burt Company - -Captured by the Arabs - -Printed in the United States of America - - - * * * * * * - - THE EXPLORATION SERIES - BY JAMES FOSTER - CAPTURED BY THE ARABS - LOST IN THE WILDS OF BRAZIL - SECRETS OF THE ANDES - THE FOREST OF MYSTERY - - * * * * * * - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I Followed by Rascals 1 - II Scoundrels at Work 9 - III A Villainous Deed 18 - IV Lured to Danger 27 - V A Fight for Freedom 34 - VI Through Unknown Forests 48 - VII Good News 55 - VIII Off for the Sahara 63 - IX Across the Desert 69 - X Questionable Strangers 77 - XI Fighting Heavy Odds 86 - XII A Grim Discovery 96 - XIII The Hideous Reptile 105 - XIV Falling Helplessly 113 - XV As Guests of Heathens 123 - XVI Steady Aim 131 - XVII Moments of Horror 140 - XVIII Savage Tribesmen 149 - XIX Searching for the Ancient 159 - XX The Horror of Thirst 169 - XXI Captured! 180 - XXII The Cave of Treasure 193 - XXIII Met by Enemies 197 - XXIV A Dangerous Undertaking 204 - XXV Going for Help 214 - XXVI To the Rescue 223 - XXVII The Hidden Treasure 230 - XXVIII Back to Civilization 239 - Bibliography 245 - - - - -CHAPTER I - -Followed by Rascals - - -"The Sahara Desert! Adventure! Exploration!" breathed Joe Lewis, as he -sat with four companions on the deck of the steamer _Sylvania_, -awaiting their first glimpse of North Africa. - -"It'll be wonderful!" muttered Bob Holton, who was also deeply -touched. He, like his chum, had often pictured this mission into the -heart of the vast expanse of sand. Soon it would be the real thing. -Already the youth could feel his feet plod through the loose soil, -could sense the delight of long traveling in a little-known land. - -Dr. Kirshner, a noted archæologist, looked up from the book he was -reading. His bronzed face took on a wide smile as he scrutinized the -two young men. - -"Got the old spirit, all right," he said with twinkling eyes. "I -suppose it came from that expedition in Brazil. Every explorer gets it -sooner or later." - -"That's right," agreed Mr. Lewis, Joe's father. "They say the main -characteristic of a true explorer is his ability to sense the thrill -of adventure." - -"Then we're real explorers. Isn't that right, Dad?" grinned Bob. - -"'We'?" asked Mr. Holton, trying to appear serious. "Where do you get -that 'we' stuff? You and Joe have only bothered us on one expedition. -We men have faced the scorching sun scores of times, and should by now -have caught the true meaning of it all. But you boys----" - -"Wait a minute," cut in Bob, determined not to be beaten so easily. -"Where would you have been if it hadn't been for Joe and me? It was -our ingenuity that brought about the success of the expedition." - -"Well, I must say I hadn't thought of that before," laughed Mr. -Holton. - -"It's true, all right." Bob stoutly defended himself and his chum. "If -you say the word I'll prove it." - -Mr. Holton smiled. He took a great delight in arguing in a friendly -manner with his son, although at times he was forced to admit defeat. -This time he was satisfied to drop the matter and turn his eyes to the -western sky, where the sun, a great ball of red fire, was sliding into -the bluish waters of the Mediterranean. Gradually the ball faded from -view, leaving a soft blue sky, which a moment later became streaked -with long gold streamers. At last these became molded into one great -mass of color and light, crossed and dotted with every hue of the -rainbow. Slowly the spectacle faded from view, and the sky became a -warm blue, out of which came countless glittering stars. - -It was a wonderful sight, and although the adventurers had witnessed -it several times before, they never seemed to tire of it. Bob and Joe -especially were deeply stirred. - -"Now that we've seen our last sunset on this voyage, suppose we get -our belongings together," said Mr. Holton, getting up from his chair. -"It won't be long until we reach Algiers." - -"And if what we've heard is true, it's a wonderful city," added Mr. -Lewis. "Has the most unusual blend of things Arab and European on the -globe. Monuments, mosques, palaces, everything and more that -characterizes the spirit of North Africa." - -He arose and led the way up the deck to the cabin, where already -people were gathering to await the first sight of land. Among the -passengers were brightly garbed Egyptians, Algerians, Arabs, and many -others with quaint and picturesque costumes. Everyone was in a gay -mood, laughing and talking merrily. That is, all but two tall Arabs, -whose quiet gaze was fixed on Bob, Joe, and the others of the American -expedition. That the men intended mischief was sensed by the boys, -although their elders had caught no element of danger. - -"Wonder what they want?" murmured Bob, in an undertone to his chum. -"Fact is, I've noticed them before, but never said anything about it. -They seem to follow us, for some reason or other." - -Joe nodded. - -"I've thought the same thing," he said quietly. "But as they made no -move against us, I almost forgot about it till now." - -The youths said no more until they reached their stateroom, which was -directly across the hall from that of their elders. As soon as their -belongings were together, Bob decided to mention the matter to his -father and friends. - -"Ten to one they haven't noticed these men," he said to Joe, "and it -might be best for us to put 'em wise." - -The youths found their companions preparing to leave for the deck and -motioned for them to come in the room. Then Bob told of the actions of -the two Arabs, pointing out that they probably had no good intentions. - -The men listened closely, eager to get all the details. When the boys -were finished, Mr. Lewis looked grave. - -"They probably heard Dr. Kirshner mention the hidden treasure," he -said soberly, at the same time glancing about as if he expected to -see the Arabs at the door. - -"Hidden treasure? What treasure?" demanded Joe excitedly, while Bob -looked up in surprise. - -"It may only be a yarn," replied Dr. Kirshner. "In fact I just heard -about it this morning. An intelligent Arab with whom I made friends -pointed out that he had definite information that there were great -riches amassed in a cave in the heart of the Sahara Desert. It seems -that they had been placed there by native tribesmen, or Tuaregs, who -inhabited this region hundreds of years ago. Tuaregs even today are -very fond of raiding caravans and small towns. Got it in their blood, -I guess." He paused a moment for breath, and Bob seized upon the -opportunity. - -"But why did the Arab tell you this?" he asked. "Didn't he know----" - -"I know what you're thinking," the scientist interrupted. "You're -wondering why I got in on this. I did too at the start. But as soon as -he had finished with the details, he told me that he was not equal to -making the expedition alone and had no relatives or good friends to -accompany him. He went on to say that few expeditions are sent out -into those remote regions, and that he would gladly share the treasure -with us if we would go with him. - -"Now as this treasure cave is supposedly in the region that we -intended to explore, your dads and I could see no reason for not -taking him up. His services as a guide will also be invaluable." - -"But--but how does he know where to search?" questioned Joe Lewis, his -tone indicating that he was greatly puzzled. - -"He has a map," returned the archæologist. "Got it from an old -tribesman who was about to die. Whether or not it is accurate, we have -yet to see--if nothing prevents us," he added significantly. - -"Nothing will--if we can help it," said Bob, delighted at such an -opportunity. - -A few minutes later they lugged their possessions out on deck. And -they were none too soon, for it was scarcely ten minutes later that -the lights of land became visible--dimly, of course, but they were -there. - -"At last," sighed Mr. Holton, who, although he enjoyed the long -voyage, was anxious to reach his destination. - -Although land was a great distance away, the adventurers went to the -prow to catch a first glimpse of that mysterious country on which they -would soon set foot. - -Bob and Joe watched closely as the myriad of lights grew more plain. A -stronger beam flashed from the Cape Matifou lighthouse, and numerous -lights from ships in and about the harbor were also visible. No more -could be seen. But it was enough. Bob and Joe were convinced that -Algiers was a charming city indeed. - -"How large a place is it?" asked Joe, as the _Sylvania_ neared the -port. - -"About two hundred and fifty thousand," returned Mr. Holton. "And all -different races, from Americans to Turks and Jews. Oh, we'll see -sights all right." - -Gradually the boat pulled into the harbor, reversed her engines, and -stopped at a large dock. Then among lights the gangplank was lowered, -and the boys and their elders soon found themselves among the many -hurrying passengers. Lights were everywhere, almost as numerous as in -an American city, and they had no trouble in finding their way to a -hotel. - -"Oh, by the way," exclaimed Joe with a sudden recollection, "what -became of your friend the Arab--the one who knows about the hidden -treasure?" - -"He's at another hotel," replied Dr. Kirshner. "I have his address on -paper. We'll go over there in the morning. He had already made -reservations at this hostelry or would have put up with us." - -The remainder of that evening was spent quietly, for the explorers -were tired after the long journey on the _Sylvania_. - -Bob and Joe were up early the next morning, and after a small but -satisfying breakfast they started out for a short walk. But they had -scarcely covered a square when Joe, who had happened to glance back, -stopped suddenly and nudged his friend. - -Bob looked, and an answering expression of surprise and anger came on -his face. - -Walking slowly into the hotel were the two Arabs who had acted so -suspiciously on the ship. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -Scoundrels at Work - - -"What do you suppose they want?" asked Joe, as the youths followed the -movements of the Arabs. - -"They're not there for any good," returned Bob, a look of anger, and -at the same time anxiety, on his face. "Probably want to find that map -that tells of the hidden treasure. Oh, of course it could be a -coincidence that they picked the same hotel that we did, but it isn't -likely." - -The boys watched the suspicious characters until they disappeared into -the hotel. Then Joe suggested that they cautiously follow. - -"All right," Bob agreed. "But we must be careful and not get too -close. They might have guns and think nothing of using them, and they -could probably get away in this country." - -Slowly the youths moved up to the entrance and peeped around the -corner. Satisfied that there was no one in sight, they went inside. - -"Nobody here but our dads and Dr. Kirshner," observed Bob, glancing -about. "I wonder if they noticed the Arabs?" - -"Let's ask them." - -The men had noticed the fellows, they said, but thought nothing about -it. Why? Was anything wrong? - -Bob explained that they were the two who had acted in a suspicious -manner on the ship, and at once the scientists' faces lightened. - -"Come on," urged Dr. Kirshner. "We can't get there any too rapidly. -When they find that we haven't got the map, they'll probably help -themselves to money and anything else that happens to be lying about. -They may even search other rooms." - -Hastily, and yet quietly, the boys and their elders went up the -stairway. They were unarmed, their revolvers and other firearms having -been left in their rooms. This might prove a handicap if the Arabs -possessed weapons, but the Americans thought nothing of the risk they -were taking. - -"We're five to two, even if we haven't our guns," said Bob, clinching -his fists. "They're likely to be shaken by numbers." - -But Dr. Kirshner, who knew the ways of these cunning natives, smiled -grimly. - -In a short time they reached the floor on which were their rooms and -turned cautiously down the hall. With utmost care lest they be -discovered, the explorers tiptoed up to their rooms. - -Mr. Holton took the lead and glanced around the door into the room. A -moment later his face scowled. - -"What is it?" demanded Joe, in a whisper. "Are they inside?" - -Mr. Holton shook his head. - -"Worse than that," he said solemnly. "Take a look." - -While the others are taking in the situation, it might be well to tell -something about Bob Holton and Joe Lewis and, incidentally, their -fathers. - -Bob was a big, well-built youth of some eighteen years. He was -particularly fond of adventure and life in the open, and always -welcomed an opportunity that might bring about a realization of his -desire. - -Joe, who was about the same age, was of medium size and strength, with -a naturally dark complexion that was now still further darkened by the -tropical sun. He, like his friend, was fond of adventure, hunting and -fishing and hiking whenever the opportunity presented itself. - -The youths were together much of their time and agreed on practically -every point. Their home was in Washington, D. C., where their fathers, -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis, were employed as naturalists by a large -museum. - -A short time before, the youths were successful in persuading their -fathers to take them on an expedition to unexplored Brazil. Here they -helped the naturalists shoot and classify wild animals, birds, and -reptiles and had many thrilling adventures with wild animals and -savage Indians. How they fought hand-to-hand with a huge jaguar, -barely prevented themselves from being crushed by a terrible anaconda, -battled against rapids, and finally became lost and wandered for days -in the world's greatest jungle are told in the first volume of this -series, entitled, _Lost in the Wilds of Brazil_. - -The boys spent the following winter finishing up in high school, and -scarcely was graduation over when their fathers were requested by the -museum to make an expedition to the Sahara Desert to collect specimens -of any animal life that might be present in the remote interior. Dr. -Kirshner, of whom something has been said, wished to accompany the -naturalists to investigate the remains of ancient civilizations. At -once Bob and Joe requested that they be taken also, and after careful -consideration their elders at last consented. What the boys were -particularly looking forward to was taking motion pictures of the -desert, for they had been engaged by the Neuman Film Corporation to -get many unusual scenes. - -Less than a week later the expedition sailed on the steamer _Sylvania_ -and made the long voyage without any special incident. - -Now let us return to the boys, as they advanced into their elders' -room. - -At once their mood changed, an expression of astonishment, later -turning to anger, creeping over their faces. - -Everything in the room was in the wildest disorder. Clothes, shoes, -satchels, rifles, papers lay scattered about, the scene suggesting -that a cyclone had visited the place. It was most deplorable, and the -travelers stood for some time as if trying to catch the true meaning -of it all. - -Finally their anxiety caused them to move forward and inspect the -belongings. - -"Good thing we didn't have the treasure map," remarked Mr. Lewis, -examining the contents of a small black bag. "It wouldn't be here -now." - -At the end of their inspection the explorers found that nothing had -been taken from their belongings. It appeared that the crafty Arabs -wished only the treasure map, and that, not being able to find it, -they had left without any other spoils. - -"They sure acted in wild haste," observed Mr. Holton. "It's almost -impossible to see how all this could have been torn up so quickly. It -wasn't five minutes from the time that you boys told of seeing the men -that we were up here." - -"Trust the Arabs to do that," said Dr. Kirshner, with a dry smile. - -The scientists' possessions were placed back in their proper places, -and then they went to inspect the room occupied by Bob and Joe. - -"Probably nothing taken from here, either," was the opinion expressed -by Mr. Holton, and he proved right, as they later found. - -"This shows that these Arabs are desperate characters, and will -probably stop at nothing," said Dr. Kirshner, after a moment of -thought. "We must be extremely careful to lock everything up from now -on. It may even mean that we'll have to watch ourselves, too." - -"What do you mean?" asked Joe. - -"Simply that they may try to kidnap one or all of us to get possession -of the map," he replied in a low voice. "I know these natives. I've -seen some of their actions before and feel sure that if these two men -thought there was a good chance to get the map, they would try to do -it." - -"It may not be as easy as they think," said Bob, although he was a bit -uneasy. - -No more time was spent in the rooms, for they were all desirous of -seeing more of the strange city and country. - -"It might be wise to call on our Arabian friend first," said Dr. -Kirshner. "The one who knows about the treasure, I mean. We haven't -seen him since we left the ship last night, and he may be anxious to -know what plans we have in mind." - -"Yes," agreed Joe. "And while there we can warn him against these -crooks. They may come on to him for the map, since they found that we -haven't it." - -First, however, the boys' fathers and Dr. Kirshner wished to -breakfast. - -"And while they're busy eating, suppose we go out," suggested Joe. "We -don't need to stay but a few minutes." - -Bob agreed. He, like his friend, was anxious to observe the -strangeness of this unusual city. If what he had heard was true, it -would be something to be long remembered. - -Out on the street the youths were at once impressed by the wide -variety of races and costumes. Frenchmen, Italians, Spaniards, -Mahonese, and Maltese all walked side by side, the majority in -European garb. Arabs, or rather those who are commonly called Arabs, -for they are a very mixed breed, sauntered along, clad in their long -gowns and _hlafa_, which hung down over the face and sides of the -head. Occasionally a Negro could be seen, although this was the -exception rather than the rule. - -"Sure have variety here," smiled Joe. "There's about every race -imaginable present." - -In a short time the youths reached the Place du Gouvernement, or -central square, and the busy scene of life was very interesting. On -one side of the forum was the Mosque of Djema-el-Djedid and the Grand -Mosquée, and on the others were stores, hotels, and cafés. Stretching -away in the distance were the four great streets of the city. - -Bob and Joe spent some time in one position, watching the throng of -Arabs, soldiers, Jews, and others peculiar to this metropolis. -Strange, the boys thought, that the people paid little or no attention -to them. But this was probably due to the fact that hundreds of -tourists visit the city each year. - -"I'd like to visit some of the stores," remarked Bob. "But we'd better -get back to the hotel." - -"Yes. Our dads and Dr. Kirshner will probably be waiting for us." - -Reluctantly they made their way back and found that the scientists -were ready to leave for the Arab friend's hotel. - -"We'll trust that we'll find him in his room, or in the lobby," said -Mr. Holton, as he and the others followed Dr. Kirshner. - -"He'll probably be there," returned the archæologist. "He's expecting -us over this morning to talk over the best procedure to find the -hidden treasure." - -The hotel in which the Arab was staying was but a short distance up -the street and around the corner. The explorers were barely within -sight of the building when a figure rushed madly out of the door and -came toward them. - -"Something the matter with that fellow?" asked Bob, surprised to see -such haste from the native. - -"Looks that way," returned Mr. Holton. "He's----By George! It's our -Arab friend. Wonder what has happened?" - -A moment later the man was up to them, his face white, his hands -trembling. - -"The treasure map!" he cried in poor English. "It is gone!" - - - - -CHAPTER III - -A Villainous Deed - - -At the Arab's dread remark it seemed for a moment that the explorers -were going to sink through the street. Dr. Kirshner reeled, and the -perspiration came out on Mr. Holton's face. Mr. Lewis and the boys -were spellbound. - -Gone! Hundreds of dollars--yes, thousands. After all this anticipating -the good fortune of finding the supposedly hidden treasure. The -explorers could hardly believe it. - -At last Dr. Kirshner got a grip on himself. - -"Do you have any idea where the thieves went?" he asked of the Arab, -whose name was Fekmah. - -"No," was the reply. "They have complete disappeared. I try see where -they go, but could not. They gone when I got to my room." - -"When did you first notice that the map had been taken?" inquired Bob -in an anxious voice. - -"No more than ten minutes ago," Fekmah answered. "I had gone out to -stay but a moment, and when came back to my room the door open and -map gone. I run around to back and look out, but they gone." - -"Gone!" echoed Mr. Lewis. "We should have warned Fekmah to be on the -lookout. If Bob and Joe had discovered the suspicious actions of the -rascals sooner, it would have given us time to do so. But the fact -that nothing strange was noticed till the night we were to reach port -gave us no time to tell it." - -"So you knew?" asked the Arab friend. "You knew that robbers were -after the map?" - -Dr. Kirshner nodded. - -"They broke into our rooms this morning, but when they couldn't find -the map they left without taking anything else," he said. "We were -just going over to warn you to be on the lookout and guard the map -closely when we saw you." - -The Arab scowled and gritted his teeth. - -"Allah curse them!" he exclaimed, vexed all the more because of almost -but not quite knowing in time. "It's too late now to find them, and -they prob'ly gone by now." - -"Gone where?" asked Mr. Holton. - -Fekmah spread his hands apart in a wide gesture and then pointed to -the south. - -"To get treasure," he said quietly. - -"Then we'll get there first!" exclaimed Dr. Kirshner. "No thieves will -get ahead of us. I think it might be well to start on the journey at -once--that is, if you can go that soon," he said to the Arab, who -nodded. - -"But how will we know where to go without the map?" asked Mr. Lewis. - -"I have general idea," Fekmah returned. "I studied it so much that -know about where go. And I can leave any time." - -"Fine!" blurted out Dr. Kirshner. "We'll get our belongings together -and leave tomorrow. But first let me introduce my friends. I don't -believe you're acquainted with them," and he proceeded to introduce -the Arab to Mr. Holton, Mr. Lewis, and Bob and Joe. - -"Now let us all come up to my room," said Fekmah. "We can talk over -plans for the treasure search. There are much things you should know." - -They walked on up the street to a comparatively large building and -were led in the door and up the stairs by Fekmah. - -"So this is the hotel where he's staying," said Bob, casting eager -eyes about the place. - -"Sure is luxurious," remarked Joe. "It's the best in town." - -The Arab's room was halfway down the hall, and to it they went. - -"Now sit down," directed Fekmah, "and we will talk things over." - -They did so and then made ready for what the Arab had to say. - -There was a short silence. Then Fekmah resumed the conversation. - -"Like Dr. Kirshner said, we should leave at once if expect to find the -hidden riches before the thieves get ahead of us," he began, showing -an unusual ability to speak English correctly. "There are two routes -we can take to get to the edge of the desert. We can take the railroad -to Oran and then to Figuig, or can get on train to Wargla." He moved -over to a small satchel and took out a cloth map, which he unfolded -and laid on a small table that was in the middle of the room. The map -was French, and although the naturalists and their sons had a slight -knowledge of that language, Dr. Kirshner and Fekmah were the only ones -who knew it thoroughly. - -"I think we can make out enough to satisfy ourselves, though," said -Mr. Holton. - -The Arab traced the one route and then the other, pointing out the -possibilities of each one. The object was to take a train to the -farthest point in the desert possible and start the expedition from -there on camelback. - -"Now," continued Fekmah, "our destination is the Ahaggar Mountains. -They are about seventeen hundred kilometers (about a thousand miles) -from here. From what we measured, the best route is to go to Wargla -and get camels from there. What you think?" - -"I believe you're right," returned Dr. Kirshner. "That route is much -shorter, and we'll have less difficulty in finding our way from Wargla -than from Figuig. Nearly all expeditions depart from Wargla, and there -are numerous small settlements on the way to the Ahaggar Mountains. -Can we get a train in the morning?" - -The Arab nodded. - -"There about three trains a day out," he said. "I believe one leaves -in morning, so we can get there easy." - -"Fine!" exclaimed Mr. Lewis. "Then we'll leave now and get packed and -be here for you early in the morning." - -Fekmah bowed. - -"And I will make the stolen map over again from memory, as near as -can," he said. - -They bade the Arab good-bye and left the hotel to get their belongings -together. If they were to leave for the Sahara the next morning, a -great deal of packing would have to be done. - -"Don't suppose there's any use trying to find the thieves, is there?" -asked Joe, as they approached their hotel. - -Dr. Kirshner laughed unwillingly. - -"They are probably halfway to the Sahara by now," he returned, -although he knew this to be an exaggeration. - -When the explorers arrived at their rooms, Dr. Kirshner directed the -preparations for the expedition, and the remainder of the day was -spent in doing this. It seemed that the archæologist had forgotten his -duties as a scientist and was thinking only of finding the hidden -riches. - -"If we are fortunate enough to find our objective, we will be paid -many times the cost of the expedition," he said. - -"If those crooks don't get ahead of us," added Joe, with a grim smile. - -"They won't--not if we can help it," blurted out Bob, fumbling his -automatic. - -At noon the adventurers stopped only a few minutes for a meal, so -eager were they to finish the task of preparing for the expedition. -They found it necessary to purchase much that they did not have, and -the bazaars of Algiers were visited often for the unusual in the way -of luxuries. - -At last the work was completed, and all sat down to rest after the -strain. Bob and Joe had had the experience once before of helping to -make preparations for an expedition and knew what was expected of -them. - -"I wish we could take motion pictures of this city," remarked Bob that -evening. "But we've been instructed to wait till we start the journey -in the Sahara." - -The next morning the explorers were up early, and after a bountiful -breakfast they made their way to Fekmah's hotel. - -The Arab was expecting them and had finished making a second map. It -was none too accurate, for he did it from memory, but it promised to -be the only means between defeat and failure. - -"You may wonder why I bothered to make more map," he said to his -friends. "But it possible that I forget some of the landmarks when we -are on way, and this will----" - -"Come to the rescue," interrupted Joe, smiling. - -"And also," Fekmah went on, "you may have this if anything should -happen me." - -"Let's hope nothing will," said Bob. - -"And now," began Dr. Kirshner, "I'm going down to the railroad station -and find out if we can get a train this morning. I'll be back in a -short time." - -"While he's gone, suppose we go out," suggested Joe to his chum. -"There's a lot we can see around here before we leave." - -"All right," Bob replied. "But we don't want to stay too long. There -might be a train out in an hour." - -The youths decided to see the old section of the city, as they had -heard from Dr. Kirshner that many points of interest were to be found -there. It was but a few minutes' walk to their objective, and they -turned their eyes about. - -As they were passing a café, Bob motioned for his friend to look -inside. - -A gray-haired, shriveled old man in torn clothing was strumming a -guitar and walking from one end of the café to another, holding out a -hand for money. But no one seemed inclined to give him any. Evidently -this was a common occurrence, for the people paid little or no -attention to the old beggar. - -"I've half a mind to give him a break," started Bob, but Joe pulled -him back. - -"If we want to see any of this town we'll have to be at it," Joe said, -leading the way down the street. - -The narrow ways were lined with shops and bazaars, offering the -shopper a wide variety of commodities. - -"But most of the things they sell you don't want," smiled Bob, -glancing at a counter laden with coarse native food. - -The youths noticed that certain streets were devoted to the selling of -certain products. For instance, one avenue was lined with shops -displaying brassware. - -"It ought to be easy to find what you want," grinned Joe. "Just walk -down one street and you will have a large choice of the same thing." - -The boys spent nearly a half-hour in the native quarter. Finally Bob -suggested that they get back to the hotel, and his friend was also in -favor. - -In a short time they were back in the hostelry and proceeded to go to -their rooms. But they were scarcely at the doors when the sound of -footsteps came to their ears. The next moment Dr. Kirshner came into -view. - -"Hello," greeted Bob, and then his jaw dropped. - -That something was wrong was evidenced by the frown that was on the -archæologist's face. His usual smile was absent. - -"There's been a wreck," he said in an anxious voice. "The train has -been wrecked. I guess we can't get to Wargla so soon after all." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -Lured to Danger - - -Bob and Joe gasped in astonishment. - -"The train wrecked!" muttered Bob and then started. "What caused it?" - -"I imagine you're thinking the same as I," the archæologist said -quietly. "That those thieves were responsible for it to prevent us -from getting to Wargla at once." - -Joe's face glowed with anger. - -"The dirty beggars!" he cried. "Was anyone hurt?" - -"No. It happened that no one was. But the locomotive was derailed and -lodged in a ravine, and the work of getting it back on the track and -repairing it won't start any too soon in this country. It may be two -or three days before order will be restored. It looks like those -robbers have won out after all." - -They walked on into the room, where they were met by the boys' fathers -and Fekmah. - -"Is there anything wrong?" asked Mr. Holton, as he noticed the sober -faces of his friends. - -The situation was explained, and the men frowned. Fekmah especially -was agitated. - -"May the black monsters of Tidihet feast on them!" he exclaimed, -running his fingers through his white hair. "Allah will punish -them--they will not go free!" - -"But that won't help us any," said Mr. Lewis dryly. "We've got to -figure out some way to stop them, if it's at all possible. The -question is, what will it be?" - -"There's no way of telegraphing," said Dr. Kirshner, gazing -thoughtfully at the floor. "If we had any idea where they went--that -is, what route they took--we might overtake them on fast dromedaries. -But the chances even then would be slight." - -"We might----" began Joe but was interrupted by a knock at the door. - -For a moment the adventurers looked at one another in surprise. Then -Mr. Holton moved over and cautiously opened the door. - -The figure that stood in waiting was a tall, powerful Arab, with dark, -piercing eyes that were none too pleasant to look at. He towered -several inches above Mr. Holton, who was himself nearly six feet. -Around the man's shoulders and reaching nearly to the floor was a -white gown, and on his head was the conventional _hlafa_. - -For several moments he stood looking at the occupants of the room, as -though forming a rapid opinion of the situation. Then he again turned -to Mr. Holton and muttered something in the native tongue. - -That Bob's father understood was evidenced by the look of surprise -that came on his face. A moment later he turned to his friends. - -"He says Fekmah is wanted by a friend," Mr. Holton said. "Won't say -any more. I don't know what to make of it." - -"A friend?" Fekmah gasped. "Why, I know no person here. What could it -mean?" - -Again the stranger said something in Arabic and motioned for his -objective to come out. - -For a moment Fekmah was thoughtful. Then he decided to investigate. - -"I will be back in short minutes," he said and walked toward the door. - -"Wait a minute," called Dr. Kirshner. "I'm going with you." - -"And I, too," cried Bob, getting up from his chair. - -Joe also put in a request, but the archæologist shook his head. - -"Two more are enough," he said quietly, as he and Bob followed the -Arab down the hall. - -"Be careful," warned Mr. Lewis, as they reached the stairs. "There's -no telling what that fellow may want." - -They reached the street and were directed around the corner and up a -narrow byway, the stranger remaining several yards in the van. - -"Keep a ready hand on your automatic," whispered Dr. Kirshner to Bob. -"Something may happen in a short time now." - -"Do you believe Fekmah is really wanted by friends?" the youth asked, -glancing about as if he expected any minute to be confronted by a band -of desperate characters. - -"Beyond me," was the reply. "But I believe it would be safer to say no -than yes. But there is a possibility that he met someone and has -forgotten about it." - -"What could they want of him? It all seems funny to me." - -On they went, now upward by a gently sloping street that was so -crooked it seemed to have no outlet. - -Suddenly the street stopped at a narrow, winding stairway that led -almost straight up. All about were crowded houses of clay, dirty and -weather-beaten and suggesting that only the very poorest of Arabs -lived there. - -Having made sure that the others were following him, the stranger led -the way up the stairs. At the head was a small door, and this was -opened for them to go inside. - -But they hesitated. - -"Ask him what he wants," directed Bob. "There could be anything in -there." - -Dr. Kirshner turned to the Arab and in a stern voice put the question -before him. - -The latter surveyed the American closely, then said in the native -tongue: - -"I wish nothing of _you_. It is Fekmah who is wanted. But if you and -your friend must intrude, you may come in." - -The man's attitude did not win the friendship of the explorers, but -chiefly because they were at a loss to know what to do next they -followed him inside. - -A moment later the door was closed and they found themselves in a sort -of twilight. - -As soon as their eyes became accustomed to the dim light, they made -out four figures sitting in the corner of the room. The bare floor -alone served the place of chairs, and the men seemed comfortable. Bob -at once formed the conclusion that these Arabs were of the same type -as the stranger who escorted them here, and felt a bit uneasy. He -would have felt much better with a hand on his gun, but this would -have aroused the suspicions of the natives. Nevertheless he kept on -guard for any treachery. If it came to a fight, he knew that it would -be two to five, for Fekmah was, in his age, not capable of taking -part. - -None of the Arabs was able to speak English, evidently, but Dr. -Kirshner knew the native language from his previous visits to North -Africa. And he promised to translate occasionally to Bob. - -But a moment later it was plain that there was little translating to -be done, for one of the Arabs said something to Fekmah and motioned -for him to come into the next room. The Americans were to remain where -they were. - -"I don't like this," muttered Dr. Kirshner, as he and Bob were told to -be seated on the floor. "Anything may happen to him in there." - -"Suppose we go with him," suggested Bob. - -The archæologist nodded. He arose from his chair and started to -follow, but one of the Arabs gently pushed him back. - -"It is Fekmah who is wanted," the fellow said in a queer bass voice. -"You will wait here. It will only be a moment." - -Dr. Kirshner had half a notion to push through and follow his Arab -friend, but he changed his mind and sat down with Bob on the floor. - -"What's the big idea of all this?" the youth asked in a puzzled voice. -"They trying to double-cross us or something?" - -The archæologist did not answer, for he felt all too sure that -something serious was wrong. But what was there to do? - -There was no conversation between the archæologist and the natives, -for each seemed busy with his thoughts. Bob was extremely grave, and -he wondered what was taking place in the adjoining room. Perhaps the -Arabs wished to sell Fekmah something and did not wish to be thwarted -by the whites. Or perhaps they wanted to engage themselves as guides -on the coming expedition and knew they would have a better chance with -Fekmah than with the Americans. But whatever it was, Bob felt uneasy. -If their friend did not return before long he would go after him, the -youth thought. - -"We'll wait a few more minutes," said Dr. Kirshner. "Then----" - -"Listen!" commanded Bob. "What was that?" - -"I didn't hear anything. What----" - -"There it is again. Sounds like a muffled cry for help. It's--it's -Fekmah!" - - - - -CHAPTER V - -A Fight for Freedom - - -Bob was on his feet in an instant and dashed toward the door to the -next room. But two of the Arabs were there first. With a catlike -quickness they drew knives and advanced on the Americans. The other -two natives came at them from the side. - -"What does this mean?" demanded Dr. Kirshner, looking from one to the -other, his black eyes snapping with anger. - -"You are going to die!" was the grim answer from an evil-looking, -flat-nosed fellow. He moved forward a step or two. - -Bob did not understand the man but sensed that something sinister was -to take place. He noticed the look of anger and anxiety on the -scientist's face. - -With a sudden movement he drew out his automatic, at the same time -stepping back several feet. His action was so quick that the Arabs -were taken by surprise and stood for several moments trying to grasp -the true meaning of it all. - -"Now get back!" he commanded, flashing the shining pistol in their -faces. "Take away their knives," he said to Dr. Kirshner. "I've got -them covered. Tell them I'll shoot the first man who makes a forward -move." - -The scientist did as directed and found that, beyond a vicious-looking -knife, they were unarmed. - -"You stay here and guard them," said Bob. "I'm going in and see what's -happened to Fekmah." - -He moved over to the door and opened it. Holding the pistol in -readiness, he walked slowly in the room. One glance told him that no -one was in sight. But there was a door leading into a large alcove, -and it was possible that he could find someone there. Perhaps the -Arabs were in hiding, having sensed that they were in danger. - -Tiptoeing as quietly as possible, Bob made his way to the closed door. -He stood for several moments wondering what to do next. Then he -decided to make a bold move. - -Clutching his tiny automatic tightly, he took hold of the knob and -with a sudden twist threw open the door. - -The next instant he shrank back, for a tall Arab was almost upon him. -The man held a vicious-looking knife in his uplifted right hand and -was apparently ready to open the door when Bob did so first. - -During the next few seconds Bob's brain was in a whirl. He had half a -mind to shoot the fellow outright and take no chances. But a moment -later he thought better of it. He did not want to be guilty of -murdering even this cruel Arab. If he had been as good a shot with a -pistol as he was with a rifle, he would have shot the knife from the -fellow's hand. But as it was, he knew this could not be done. - -Suddenly the Arab lowered the knife and, scowling cruelly, he rushed -at the youth furiously. - -Realizing that he must act quickly, Bob aimed at the man's leg and -fired. But his hand was unsteady from the terrific strain, and the -bullet missed and lodged itself in the wall. - -With a hoarse bellow the Arab came forward with terrific force, -muttering angrily. He had the knife in readiness now, and was about to -plunge it into the youth's body when something unexpected happened. - -Seeing a good chance, Bob pushed his foot forward with all his -strength, bringing the man down with a thud that resounded through the -little room. The Arab was taken completely unawares, and the knife -went sliding across the floor. - -The next instant he was on his feet, and, showing his black teeth -wickedly, he darted toward his young enemy, his large hands ready to -grip anything they might rest on. - -Now was the time to act, Bob thought. Leaping forward, he sent his -fist crashing into the Arab's nose with all the strength in his -powerful young body. - -The man reeled, backed up, and then fell against the wall. Another -victim of the youth's boxing ability had gone to his fate. - -Perspiration was dripping from the boy's brow. His leg ached from the -twist he gave it in bringing the Arab to the floor. Every muscle in -his body seemed fatigued. For a brief moment a sensation of -nothingness crept over him, and he felt slightly numb. - -With a start he regained his composure and, with one glance at the -still limp Arab, he dashed through the door, the shining automatic -still in his possession. One thought stood out in his mind above all -others. He must find Fekmah. - -No one was in the alcove, but another door led out into a sort of -hallway, and casting aside all thoughts of personal danger, Bob passed -through it. - -The next instant he found himself in a narrow passageway, with no -windows or other means to admit light. The semidarkness was -tantalizing, overcoming, but the boy went bravely on. Occasionally he -stopped to listen. But no sound reached his ears. Could it be possible -that Fekmah had been.... - -The thought was not a pleasant one, and Bob dismissed it from mind. -Here was a door. Perhaps this would reveal something. - -As quietly as possible he turned the latch and peeped in the room. - -In the darkness he could make out no one at first. Then his eyes -almost burst from his head as he saw, lying on the floor in the -corner, tightly bound and gagged--Fekmah! - -For a moment Bob stood spellbound. Then he rushed over to the -unfortunate man. - -"Fekmah," he cackled gently and then bent over and felt of the Arab's -heart. It was still beating, and with a swift motion of a small knife -Bob cut the ropes that bound the man. Then he removed the gag and -stood back to see if his friend had been injured. - -The Arab's eyes opened, and he sat up with a start. A moment later the -look of fear vanished from his face as he saw Bob. - -"Praise be to Allah!" he murmured, getting feebly to his feet. - -"Are you hurt?" the youth asked. - -"No--not yet," was the grim reply. "But the evil-doers were going to -come back and kill me if I not tell where to find treasure. It is time -now that they come. Let us go in haste, or they will stab us." - -"Treasure?" cried Bob. "You mean they wanted you to tell where the -hidden riches in the desert are?" - -"Yes. They were going torture me if I not tell. They are demons. Allah -curse them!" - -"But how did they know?" demanded Bob. "How did they find out about -it? They're not the same ones who wrecked the train, are they?" - -Fekmah shook his head. - -"How they find out, I not know," he said. - -Cautiously they made for the door and opened it. Satisfied that there -was no one in sight, they walked through the hallway and into the -alcove. - -"Now we must be careful," Bob warned. "I knocked a man out a while -ago, and he may have come to by now." - -But when they reached the place, they found the fellow still limp. - -At sight of the Arab, Fekmah looked at Bob with admiration. It was -evident that the youth had gone beyond his expectations. - -In a short time they reached the door into the first room and found -that Dr. Kirshner was still guarding the Arabs. The scientist looked -up in relief when he again saw Bob and Fekmah. - -"I feared something had happened to you," the scientist said. "I -shouldn't have allowed you to go in there," he said to Bob. "But I see -you've done your duty and brought back Fekmah." - -"But what shall we do now?" Bob asked. "Are there any officers to take -charge of these crooks?" - -"Yes," the archæologist returned. "You and Fekmah stay here and guard -these men and I will go after them. It is best not to take them down -to the police station for fear of attracting too much attention. Other -Arab friends might charge us in a large band." - -The next moment he was gone, after having promised that he would be -back with officers in a few minutes. - -"There ought to be some way to get the fellow I knocked out in here," -Bob thought, as he guarded the Arabs closely. "But I'd better not risk -letting Fekmah have the gun. I'll trust the fellow is still out of his -senses when Dr. Kirshner and the officers arrive." - -The Arabs whom the youth was guarding were silent, but their evil -faces suggested what they would do if given the chance. - -Bob was in a position where he could also watch the door in the next -room. He was taking no chances on an attack from behind. - -"I bet Dad and the others are worried," the boy thought. "We've been -gone a long time." - -Inside of ten minutes Dr. Kirshner was back with three native -policemen, who handled the crooks roughly. Each man was handcuffed and -made to walk in front of the officers. - -"Now," said Dr. Kirshner, "suppose we get back to the hotel room. Our -prolonged absence has probably caused a great deal of anxiety among -our friends." - -"Yes," Bob returned. "We----" He stopped suddenly and then dashed into -the next room for the crook whom he had previously knocked out. - -But he was not surprised to find the man gone. An opened door revealed -that he had escaped. - -"No use looking for him," the youth thought, as he retraced his -footsteps back to his companions. - -Bob was forced to explain to Dr. Kirshner, who was puzzled at the -youth's sudden dashing away. When he had finished, the scientist -regarded him admiringly but warned him against taking unnecessary -chances. - -"Those fellows would think nothing of stabbing you to death," he said, -shaking his head gravely. - -They went on up the street and arrived in a short time at the hotel in -which were their friends. Up at Fekmah's room they were given a hearty -welcome. - -"What kept you so long?" asked Mr. Holton, seeing at a glance that -something was wrong. - -Dr. Kirshner related the details of the previous happenings, laying -stress on the pluck and bravery of Bob. - -The naturalists and Joe listened closely, eager to get an account of -everything. They did not seem unduly surprised, for at the start they -felt that something was wrong. But that their friends would be in such -grave danger was not in the least anticipated. - -"It's lucky that you're here to tell it," said Mr. Lewis, with a -shaking of his head. "Such desperate characters know nothing else but -to rob and kill." - -"But as it is," smiled Joe, "you came out all right, and had an -unusual experience at that." Secretly he was sorry he had not taken -part in it. - -"And that is the second time Bob brought in criminals," said Mr. -Lewis, recalling an incident that happened the summer before. - -"I'd rather you wouldn't take such risks, though," urged Mr. Holton. -"If one taxes good fortune too much, he is sure to come to a tragic -end some time." - -There was a short silence. Then Joe ventured to touch upon the matter -that concerned them before the abrupt interruption of a short time -ago. - -"What will be our next move?" he inquired. - -"Hmm," hesitated Dr. Kirshner, "that is hard to say at present. I -suppose, though, that the logical thing to do is wait and take a train -to Wargla as soon as possible. When the track will be cleared is hard -to say. It might be a day, or it might be several. I can see no other -way of getting to Wargla, can you, Fekmah?" - -"No," replied the Arab. "Of course there are good roads part of way, -and might ride automobile some of way, but train could get there -sooner, even if we wait." - -"I guess you're right," agreed Joe, thoughtfully. "There's no use -wasting time trying to do a thing that can't be done. Have you made -inquiries as to about when we can expect the train to be ready?" - -"Yes," answered Dr. Kirshner. "The station agent said inside of two -days, but it probably won't be that soon." - -"Let's hope it will," said Bob. "I'm anxious to get started into the -desert. How long will it probably be before we reach our destination, -once we get started on camelback?" - -"That all depends," replied the archæologist. "If we see fit to use -dromedaries, or the one-hump camel, we will make much better time. -They can travel from ninety to a hundred miles a day with ease, and if -forced, can do much better than that." - -"But the jolting is most uncomfortable," Mr. Lewis reminded him, and -Fekmah nodded. - -"Soon get used to it, though, don't you?" asked Joe. - -Fekmah laughed. - -"No, never," he said. "But not feel it so bad after many days of -riding." - -"But getting back to your question," resumed the archæologist, -speaking to Joe, "if we have good luck we should cover the thousand -miles to the Ahaggar Mountains inside of two weeks, considering, of -course, stops at oases, small towns, and the like. Then how soon we -can find the hidden riches would be a mere guess, because without the -map Fekmah will probably have much more difficulty in recognizing -various landmarks." - -"But you must remember that our main object was to work for the good -of science," Bob's father said. "Mr. Lewis and I were to get specimens -of any animal life that exists in the far reaches of the desert, and -you were to look up the remains of ancient civilizations. -Incidentally, though, we'll search for the hidden riches." - -"And Joe and I were to take motion pictures when we get started on -camelback," said Bob proudly. - -"Speaking of animal life," began Mr. Lewis, "suppose in the morning we -get out in the open country and see if we can collect any specimens. -From what I've read and heard, I guess it is necessary to go at least -as far as Arba before we would find a region that is worth hunting -in." - -"I'm with you," said Mr. Holton. "We'll engage an automobile to take -us the fourteen miles or so to Arba, and then foot it from there. It -will be funny if we can't bag a few worth-while specimens, at least." - -"Of course Joe and I can go, can't we?" grinned Bob. - -"You bet. And Dr. Kirshner and Fekmah, if they care to." - -But those persons announced that they would remain in Algiers and -further discuss the coming expedition. - -"Then too," the archæologist remarked, "I'd like to keep posted on the -progress made in getting the train ready for the journey to Wargla." - -It was well past noon, and the explorers now realized for the first -time that they were extremely hungry. The strain of the eventful -morning had stimulated their appetites to a high degree, and they felt -they could devour almost anything in the way of food. - -"Lead me to the café and watch what happens," said Joe, making for the -door. - -The others followed, and although not as emotional they were no less -hungry. - -The meal tasted good, despite the fact that they were ignorant of its -composition. Fekmah tried to explain one of the dishes, but the -foodstuffs used in its preparation were unknown to the Americans, and -they were as much in the dark after he had finished the explanation as -before he had begun it. - -"We'll trust there isn't anything repulsive in its make-up," smiled -Mr. Holton. - -"At any rate the taste isn't so bad," came from Bob. "I've seen stuff -much worse." - -"Referring to the delicacies of the South American Indians, I -suppose," laughed Mr. Lewis, and the boys nodded. - -"We were forced to eat almost anything for a while," reflected Joe. -"Getting lost in the Brazilian jungle was a serious thing, and we -realized it. Then when we got in with those savages, we accepted their -offer of food at once, even though we weren't sure it was all right." - -"That was a great adventure, boys," remarked Mr. Holton, his thoughts -going back to the countless days of river traveling in unknown South -America. "The more I think of it the more convinced I am that we -should be extremely proud of that exploit. Mr. Lewis and I have had -many adventures in unknown lands while collecting specimens for the -museum, but none surpasses that one." - -"I'd like to go there some time," said Dr. Kirshner. "But so far, my -work as an archæologist has not called me into that region. When it -will, if ever, I do not know." - -After the bountiful meal the explorers took it easy in the hotel, and -Fekmah returned to his room. - -"Since we haven't anything in particular to do, we might as well rest -up for the hunting trip tomorrow," said Mr. Lewis, as he and the -others sat in the lobby of their hotel. "We've had a hard day of it -and deserve to be idle for a while." - -The others agreed, and the remainder of the day was spent in quiet. - -But early the next morning the boys and their fathers were busily -preparing for the hunting expedition. By seven o'clock they had their -rifles and other necessities in readiness, and with a farewell to Dr. -Kirshner, who wished to talk over the Sahara journey with Fekmah, they -left the hotel. - -Mr. Lewis had earlier made arrangements for a car to take them to -Arba, whence they would go on foot into the forests and desert. The -automobile was parked in a small garage not far away, and they reached -the place in but a few minutes. It was a low, dirty structure, with -few windows. - -A swarthy native came out to meet them and at once recognized Mr. -Lewis. He led the way through a small door and into a room that served -as the garage. - -"Here we are," said Joe's father, as they rounded a corner. - -He pointed to something that at once caused Bob and Joe to burst out -with laughter. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -Through Unknown Forests - - -"That a car--an automobile?" asked Bob, holding back his laughter. - -"You don't mean to say that thing will take us fourteen miles!" cried -Joe, no less moved than his chum. - -The naturalists smiled. They had apparently not expected this. - -"It's about the best we can do here," confessed Mr. Lewis. "Of course -there are better automobiles, but none of them seems to be for hire. -You see, this drive-yourself idea doesn't appear to be very popular -here. I suppose it's because there is so much danger of being attacked -by bands of nomads who would think nothing of robbing the occupants -and stealing the car. But this car, although not beautiful to look at, -has a good motor and good tires, and that's about all we could expect. -Remember, we're not in America now." - -The object of their remarks was indeed not anything to be especially -proud of. A well-known American make, it had undoubtedly been of -great service in its time, and was still capable of covering many -more miles. It had no top, and nothing to show that one had been -present, but the seats were in fair condition, and a well-shined -windshield promised to keep away the formidable dust of the desert. - -"Well, I suppose we could do much worse," sighed Joe, taking his place -in the back seat. - -After a few more remarks with the keeper of the garage, the -adventurers started the motor and pulled out into the street, Mr. -Lewis at the wheel. The chug of the engine was almost deafening, but, -as Bob remarked, they would probably get used to it. - -"Ought to be some new springs," said Joe, with a wink at his chum. - -"And there could be new upholstering," added Bob. "Of course it needs -new----" - -"All right, boys," smiled Mr. Holton, cutting off their capricious -suggestions. "If you don't like it, you know what you can do." - -"I guess we'd better shut up," grinned Bob. "We may get thrown out on -our ear." - -Mr. Lewis had studied the map of Algiers and had no difficulty in -finding his way out of the city and to Maison Carrée, which might -almost be called a suburb of the metropolis. From here they went -almost straight south and soon came to a narrow river, which was -spanned by a small bridge. - -"Scarcely any curves from here on," said Mr. Lewis, as he increased -the speed of the car. - -The road remained good, and in a short time they reached Arba, their -destination. Here for the first time they caught a glimpse of a camel -caravan, for they are never seen as far as Algiers. It was composed of -about ten dromedaries, with only three riders. Strapped on the brutes' -backs were packs containing probably dates and other products of the -desert. - -Bob and Joe took in the scene with intense interest, for soon they -would be fitted out in a like manner for the long desert journey. The -youths were particularly anxious to observe the manner in which the -brutes are ridden. They had heard that to straddle a camel and be able -to bounce freely along was an art that came only of long practice. -Whether this was true they did not know but resolved to find out -sooner or later from Fekmah. - -"I'll bet it's harder than it looks, though," remarked Joe. - -A little later they saw other caravans of donkeys, the usual beast of -burden used near the coast. - -"The Arab, unlike other natives, never carries his load," explained -Mr. Holton. "I guess he thinks it lowers himself too much." - -They drove on into the town and had more trouble finding good streets -than in Algiers. - -Luckily it was Wednesday, and the market was in full swing. Traders -were swarming everywhere, buying and selling the queer native goods -and foodstuffs. - -"Suppose we park the car where we can and look about a bit," suggested -Joe. "It's no special hurry to begin the hunt, is it?" - -The others were more than willing, and as soon as possible the -automobile--if it could be called that--was stopped at a convenient -corner. - -"Sure feels good to get out and stretch," smiled Bob, taking advantage -of the opportunity to relax his cramped legs. - -They left the car and made for the business center of the town, intent -upon spending a half-hour or so in watching the busy scene of -interest. - -It was soon discovered that except for the large market there was -little of interest to be seen. In many respects the town resembled -Algiers, although on a much smaller scale and not nearly as modern. -The streets were narrow and, in many cases, curving, and the houses -were far from attractive. But the hustle and bustle of the natives -clearly indicated that Arba was of considerable importance -commercially. - -This was especially noted in the city market, where every article -imaginable was for sale. Bakers, vegetable dealers, butchers, -shoemakers, wine venders, and many others did their best to convince -the buyer of the worth of their products. - -"And over there in that tent is a physician," pointed out Mr. Lewis. -"How good he would be considered in the United States is hard to say, -but the Arabs seem to have confidence in him. Look at the patients -going in." - -"For my part, I'd rather trust nature to cure my illness," smiled Bob, -as he noted the rather blank expression of the native physician. - -The explorers spent nearly a half-hour in the city, taking in the -various sights so strange and interesting to a visitor from a far-away -land. At last Mr. Holton moved that they go back to the car and get -their rifles and begin the hunt, and the others were in favor of doing -so. - -Their lunch, cartridges, binoculars, and other hunting necessities -were packed in lightweight ruck sacks, which required but a minute to -strap on their backs. - -The car was to be left where it was, as probably no better parking -place could be found. - -"Guess we're ready," said Mr. Lewis, picking up his rifle. - -It required but a short walk to reach the edge of the town, and one -glance revealed that the country here was wild and uncultivated. -Mountains were but a short distance away, and some of the peaks were -rather impressive. - -"Those forests look like there might be anything in them," observed -Joe, directing his glance at the towering wooded slopes. - -"We'll see in a short time," said his father, fumbling his rifle. - -The foothills over which they were passing were, for the most part, -bare and devoid of heavy vegetation. But a little later they came to a -region that gradually sloped upward, and less than an hour's traveling -brought them to the base of a high, sloping mountain, which was -covered with a dense forest. - -With renewed efforts they began the task of climbing, keeping a sharp -lookout for any wild animals that might dart out in front of them. - -"About all the wild animals to be found here are rabbits, jackals, -hyenas, panthers, and a very few lions," said Mr. Holton, as they -trudged up the hill. - -Luckily there were no sharp cliffs to be scaled. Instead, the way was -gradual, unbroken. - -"I'd like to get a glimpse of one of those queer creatures that have -been reported to exist in these woods," remarked Mr. Holton with a -smile. - -"What's that?" asked Joe. - -"Another Arabian myth, most likely. At any rate I know of nobody who -has ever been fortunate enough to see one. It is supposed to be about -the size of a badger and is a very peculiar combination of six or more -well-known animals. The face, eyes, tail, abdomen, and other body -regions are supposed to be taken from other creatures; and all the -details are very accurate and convincing, to hear the Arab tell it. -Again arises the question of where such queer conceptions get into his -head." - -As they hiked on, Bob and Joe began to get behind their elders. There -was much to be seen in the way of odd plants and colorful flowers, and -their attention was continually diverted from one thing to another. - -"I suppose when we get as seasoned in the art of exploring as our dads -we'll not notice such minorities," said Bob. "But right now----" - -He stopped suddenly as he caught sight of something that made his -blood turn cold. - -Not five feet away was a huge wild boar, showing its terrible tusks -savagely as it prepared to rush at the youths. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -Good News - - -"What is it?" cried Joe, as he noticed the look of anxiety on his -chum's face. - -For answer, Bob pointed to the wild boar, and as Joe glanced around he -shrank back in consternation. - -"Quick!" he cried. "It's going to charge!" - -There was no time to lose. The animal, angered because cornered, was -getting ready to stand its ground savagely. And the boys had heard of -the wild boar's terrible ferocity. - -Almost in unison the youths raised their rifles and took careful aim. -The guns were of only twenty-two caliber, not any too powerful for the -occasion, but the chance had to be taken. - -"Now," murmured Bob, holding his rifle in a steady position. - -Bang! Bang! Two shots rang out, and each found the mark. - -But the small bullets did not stop the beast's charge, and it came on -with horrible atrocity. - -"Run!" cried Bob, his nerve completely gone. "Let's go up a tree!" - -As the youths darted to one side, a shot rang out; another; and still -another. A moment later the wild boar sank to the ground in a crumpled -mass, gave a convulsive twitch, and then lay still. - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton came running up, on their faces a look of -apprehension. - -"A narrow escape!" said Joe grimly. "It's a good thing you came across -with those high-speed bullets. They sure did the job, all right." - -"We just happened to glance around in time," explained his father. "We -didn't know you boys were so far behind. Why didn't you bring larger -rifles?" - -"Weren't expecting to meet such a creature as this," replied Bob. "I -had an idea that this was a tame country, but I see I'm wrong," with a -glance at the wild boar. - -"You certainly are," smiled Mr. Holton, shaking his head. "And this -incident may be the beginning of a series of adventures with wild -animals. Where there's one of a thing there's likely to be another. So -stick close, boys. I'd hate to have to rely on those twenty-twos -again." - -The wild boar was shattered by the bullets and was no good as a -specimen. The naturalists especially wanted one of these terrible -beasts and were put out to think that this one had been made -worthless by the rifles, but they were thankful that they had been -able to come to the rescue of their sons. - -With one last look at the creature they resumed the hike, this time -keeping a closer lookout for any other formidable beast. - -As they penetrated deeper into the forest, signs of life began to -increase in numbers. Small rodents darted out, only to be brought down -by the guns of the naturalists; lizards of grotesque and ugly shapes -were all about; birds of many colors flew overhead, their plumage -showing brightly in the sunlight. It was a sight that the youths never -grew tired of. - -Suddenly a jackal ran out, and Mr. Holton lost no time in firing at -it. It was carefully but quickly skinned and placed in the burlap bag -for the specimens. - -"This forest certainly is untrodden," observed Mr. Lewis, unable to -discern the faintest traces of human tracks. "It has probably been a -long time since anyone broke into its fastness." - -"Which is all the better for us," said Joe. "Animals here probably -have never heard the sound of a gun before." - -Along toward noon they picked out a small grassy area and got out the -kit of lunch. The sandwiches were spread on a paper, and thermos -bottles of cold lemonade were opened. To the tired adventurers it -promised to be a feast fit for a king. - -"No meal in the most luxurious café tastes better than a bountiful -lunch in the heart of a forest," said Mr. Lewis. - -Bob's father nodded. - -"It has been said that no one but an explorer really knows what an -appetite is," he remarked. "And in times when I'm working in the -museum at home and not doing any strenuous work I can fully realize -the truth of it." - -They ate the lunch in quiet contentment, taking it easy on the soft -grass. It seemed good to be out on the trail again, feasting on the -wonders of nature. Bob and Joe were impressed by the stillness of the -great forest. - -"This is about the only kind of a woods you can get through," remarked -Bob, his eyes on the numerous cork-oak trees. "A tropical jungle has -so much undergrowth and vines that it keeps you busy cutting them away -with a machete." - -An hour or two after the repast was spent in resting their tired limbs -and chatting merrily. Then Mr. Lewis suggested that they continue the -hunt. - -"We won't have so very much time left," he said. "And we'd like to get -several more specimens." - -A little later they came to a narrow valley between two high -mountains. A tiny spring trickled from beside a large rock, and they -welcomed the taste of the refreshing liquid. It was quite cold, -showing that it probably came from an underground stream. - -"Drink all you want," said Mr. Lewis. "It's likely the last water -we'll see till we get back to Arba." - -All the remainder of that afternoon the explorers trudged on, bringing -down several small animals and birds. None of them happened to be -dangerous, however. - -The hunters had described a wide circle that took them by sundown -within a mile or two from Arba, and the accuracy of the naturalists' -calculations was greatly appreciated, for they were very tired and did -not feel that they would care to have to hike a great distance to get -to the automobile. - -"Wonder if the old car's still there," mused Bob, as they came to the -limits of Arba. - -"Don't know why it shouldn't be," returned his chum. "Nobody'd want it -for anything." - -It required but a short time to reach the main part of the town. Then -they turned off on the street where the car was parked. - -"It's there!" cried Joe, making out its ancient shape in the distance. - -The others shared in his enthusiasm. They had had an uneasy feeling -about its safety all day, despite the fact that the ignition had been -locked. - -In a short time the explorers were in the seats, and Joe, who had -asked to drive, began the task of starting the engine. It finally -responded to the sluggish self-starter. - -"Now let's hurry and get back to Algiers," urged Mr. Holton. "We don't -want to be out after dark, for there's no telling how good these -lights are." - -During the next half-hour Joe pulled the throttle as far down as -possible, and then complained because he could only do forty-five. -However, it was not long before they saw the lights of Algiers in the -distance. - -"Now to get something to eat," said Mr. Holton, sitting up in the seat -in anticipation. "It will be good to see the old hotel again, won't -it?" - -"Sure will," replied Bob. "I'll bet Dr. Kirshner expected us long -before this." - -"He's probably conversing with Fekmah," was the opinion expressed by -Mr. Lewis. "You know," he went on, "that Arab is a strange contrast to -these worthless fellows around here. It all goes to show what anyone -can do if he wants to." - -"He's educated, too, isn't he?" inquired Joe. - -"Yes, highly," the naturalist replied. "Was graduated from the -University of Algiers and received a degree. What he doesn't know -isn't worth knowing." - -"Where is his home?" asked Bob. "He doesn't live in Algiers, does he?" - -"No. He lives in Oran; that's about a hundred and twenty-five miles or -so west of here. Quite a prosperous city, I guess." - -"But," questioned Bob, thoroughly puzzled, "what is he doing here in -Algiers?" - -"It all goes back to Dr. Kirshner's conversation with him on the -ship," Mr. Holton explained. "You see, Tom"--referring to the -archæologist--"met him on the last day of the voyage and recognized -him to be a very intellectual man. As soon as Fekmah found that he -could trust Kirshner, he confided this secret about the hidden riches. -Well, then, when he found that we would accept his proposition and -make it one of the objects of the expedition to search for this -treasure, Fekmah put up at a hotel in Algiers in order to accompany us -into the Sahara. See?" - -"Sure. I don't know now why I didn't before." - -They were now among the lights of Algiers, and Joe headed straight for -the business section, where the car was to be returned to the garage. - -They reached the place in a short time and left the automobile. Then -they hurried around to their hotel. - -When they came to their room, they found Dr. Kirshner and Fekmah in -earnest conversation. When the two heard their friends in the hall, -they arose, wreathed in smiles. - -"We have good news for you," announced Dr. Kirshner joyously. "The -train is leaving for Wargla in the morning." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -Off for the Sahara - - -"Hurrah!" burst out Joe, overwhelmed with delight. "We'll get ahead of -those crooks after all." - -"When did you find out?" asked Mr. Holton, as overjoyed as the youth. - -"Late this afternoon," was the response. "We intended to make frequent -trips to the railroad station in order to know as soon as possible. -The agent there informed us that the track had been cleared last night -and the locomotive repaired this morning. He didn't give the -impression that there are other trains on this route, but I suppose -there are." - -"That's fine!" exclaimed Mr. Lewis, as excited as a boy. "We'll get a -meal at once and then complete preparations for the journey. Have you -two eaten?" - -"Yes," returned Fekmah. "It is getting late. Six, seven o'clock." - -The naturalists and their sons made their way to the café and did full -justice to a delicious meal. Then they went back to their room and -finished packing their possessions. - -"Do you know," remarked Joe that night just before retiring, "we were, -in a sense, responsible for that train wreck?" - -Bob looked up in surprise. - -"If it hadn't been for our proposed expedition, those two Arabs would -have had no cause to wreck the train," Joe explained. - -"Oh. Indirectly, huh? Well, you're right." - -Very early the next morning the explorers were up making last-minute -preparations. The train was to leave for Wargla at eight o'clock, -giving them three hours or so to use to best advantage. - -"When do we reach our destination?" asked Bob, as he snapped the catch -on his handbag. - -"At about noon day after tomorrow," answered Dr. Kirshner. "You see, -it's a three-hundred-and-seventy-five-mile journey, and the train -won't go any too fast through the mountains." - -"Mountains? Do we go through mountains?" queried Joe, a little -surprised. - -"Yes, twice. Through these around here and then in the more lofty -Aures. And the scenery is said to be wonderful." - -"What cities do we pass through?" Bob asked. - -"Setif, Batna, Biskra, and Tuggourt are the principal ones," the -archæologist replied. "But there are a number of smaller towns. Get a -map. There's one in the pocket of that bag over there." - -The boys took out the guide to Algeria and studied it closely. They -found that the railroad did not make a straight run but curved -considerably in order to pass through several important cities and -towns. The map was not strictly up to date and consequently did not -show the new stretch from Tuggourt to Wargla. - -"It's been constructed only recently," explained Mr. Lewis. "At -present the French have proposed building a trans-Sahara route. When -they will begin it, if ever, we don't know." - -"Perhaps not in our lifetimes," smiled Joe. "Large enterprises like -that come very slowly." - -An hour before train time everything was in readiness, and it was Mr. -Holton who suggested that they go down to the railroad station. - -The others were in favor of doing so, and as it was but a short -distance away they were content to walk and carry their belongings. -There was a good-sized load, but it was distributed evenly without -anyone being overtaxed. - -At the station they checked the things securely and safely. Even then -they had a leisure half-hour. - -"You may be surprised at sight of the train," said Fekmah. - -And they were. The Americans had expected to see rickety wood coaches -attached to an incapable locomotive, but instead they saw a large, -fine train of the French design. - -"All due to the influence of France, I suppose," remarked Dr. -Kirshner, as he followed the others up in the coach. - -A few minutes later they felt a slight jerk and the train began moving -slowly away from the station. Gradually it picked up speed, and before -long Algiers disappeared on the horizon. - -"We're off!" said Joe enthusiastically. "Before long we'll see the -great Sahara Desert!" - -It required but a few minutes to reach Maison Carrée, and after a -short stop they began the journey in earnest. Rapidly they passed -through cultivated fields, orange groves, and vineyards, heading for -the mountains. Small farmhouses were left behind, their owners -laboring in the fields. Villages inhabited largely by whites were -passed, and occasionally a five-horse cart loaded with swarthy Arabs -could be seen winding slowly along the shaded roads. - -Finally they came to the Djurdjura Mountains, after having passed -through the dense forest of La Reghaia. Through numerous tunnels and -around scenic gorges they went, and finally came to Palestro, a small -town on the banks of the Isser River. Here the train stopped for a few -brief minutes. - -Again it took up the journey, speeding through the beautiful mountain -gorges. In the narrow valleys farmers could be seen laboring with -primitive implements. The next stop was Beni-Mansour, where the -railroad branched. - -Still on they went, the mountainous country gradually growing wilder -and more beautiful. Occasionally they found themselves in a narrow -gulch between high walls of rock, and a curious sensation of being -hemmed in crept over them. - -After passing through a long tunnel, the train sped out on a barren -plain, with little vegetation and few or no people. Another stop was -at Setif, a modern city populated by Americans and Europeans as well -as natives. - -Resuming the journey, they passed over another great stretch of level -country, and then finally a mountain range could be seen in the -distance. But just when the explorers were anticipating the change of -scenery, the train pulled into El Guerrah and stopped. - -"Here we must get off," announced Fekmah, getting his belongings -together. "We must change trains for Biskra. This one goes on." - -The explorers lugged their belongings out on the platform and into the -station. - -Darkness was fast approaching, and as it would be necessary to remain -in El Guerrah overnight, the adventurers stepped into the hotel, which -was the only structure in sight. - -"The town is some distance away," declared Fekmah. "We not have time -to see it." - -At the hotel they engaged rooms and lost no time in getting to them. -Sleepiness was rapidly overpowering them, and they went to bed at -once. - -The next morning they awaited the train to take them on the remainder -of the journey. At eight o'clock it was there, and the explorers -climbed aboard, eager to get started on the last stretch. - -"What's the next stop?" asked Bob, as he stretched out on the -comfortable seat. - -"Batna," his father returned. "Quite a prosperous place, I guess. And -it is the starting point for tourist excursions to several Roman -cities that are of considerable interest historically." - -Inside of an hour that city was reached. A short stop and then they -were off for Biskra, at the very edge of the Sahara. - -"We are now three thousand five hundred feet above the level of the -sea," declared Fekmah, as the train sped over the last few miles of -level country. - -Soon they came to the Aures Mountains, and between high walls of rock -they sped. At last the short range of peaks was passed, and they found -themselves once more on comparatively level ground. - -Suddenly Fekmah pointed to a high ridge of rock: - -"The Sahara Desert!" he exclaimed. "We have come to it at last." - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -Across the Desert - - -At the Arab's welcome remark, Bob and Joe sat up with a start. - -"At last!" murmured Joe. "Though I'll admit it doesn't look much like -a desert to me." - -"There's still quite a bit of vegetation," said Dr. Kirshner. "But -nevertheless, that rocky wall is classed as the mark of the desert's -edge." - -Another small town was left behind. Then, almost without knowing it, -they reached Biskra, a modern city that is much frequented by -tourists. The train came to a stop at a small but well-built station. - -"Here we must get off again," said Dr. Kirshner. "The train does not -leave for Wargla in the daytime because of the excessive heat." - -They found much to interest them the remainder of the afternoon. For -Biskra, with its picturesque natives, lanes of dirty houses, quaint -cafés, and modern buildings held their constant attention. - -That evening the train arrived for Wargla, and the explorers were glad -to continue the journey. - -For the next eight hours they sped along barren country, only the -outline of which could be seen in the darkness. At last they stopped -at Tuggourt, formerly the last stop on the railroad. - -"It won't be long now," sang Joe, as he sat up in his seat -expectantly. - -The train covered the fifty-mile journey in less than an hour, and -then, after gradually moving downhill, it passed through a cluster of -mud houses and pulled up at a modern station. - -"All off!" said Mr. Holton. "Here's Wargla, our destination." - -They got their bags off the train, and then stood for some time taking -in their environment. - -The sun was just beginning to peep from behind a high sand dune, and -it was rather easy to make out the landscape. Over to one side was a -high minaret of earth, the tallest sun-dried clay mound in existence. -Scattered about were numerous clusters of date trees, and to their -left was Wargla, glittering with many lights. - -"Now what?" inquired Bob, rousing himself. - -"Better get to the hotel," answered Dr. Kirshner. "From what I've -heard, it has been built but recently, and we'll have everything of -the latest design." - -A sign told them that the hotel was only a short distance away, and -picking up their belongings, they walked over to it. - -It was all that could be asked for, with modern conveniences that the -explorers had not dreamed of enjoying in such an out-of-the-way place. - -"Better turn in right away," suggested Dr. Kirshner. "It isn't -advisable to start the desert journey without having had any sleep." - -After the train trip it felt good to stretch out on the comfortable -beds. Despite their youth, Bob and Joe were very tired. - -"We must wake up at dawn tomorrow," Bob reminded his chum. "We'll have -to get our stuff together early." - -Notwithstanding this, the youths' deep slumber made it necessary for -their elders to awaken them. They felt rather sheepish as they arose -and noticed that the sun was well up in the sky. - -"Guess we haven't developed our mental alarm clocks yet," grinned Joe, -slipping hurriedly into his clothes. - -"Now, boys," said Mr. Holton, opening the door of their room, "we're -going out to find a guide and camels. You had better come along, so -you can practise riding. It isn't easy to get used to a dromedary's -trot. First, though, go and get your breakfast." - -When the meal was finished, they joined the men in the hotel lobby. -Fekmah, as the best-informed concerning the Sahara, acted as the -leader. - -"The man in charge of hotel told me of worthy man who will be our -guide on the expedition," he said. "He lives at edge of town, not far -away." - -"Fine! Then we'll go there at once." Mr. Lewis walked over to the -door, followed by the others. - -The fellow lived in a small, low structure of clay, and although not -pleasing to the eye, it probably lessened the intense heat of the -fierce desert sun. - -Fekmah knocked at the door. A moment later a tall Arab greeted them, -his face thin but not indicating that he was possessed of a weak -constitution. - -"Are you Tishmak?" Fekmah asked. - -The Arab nodded. - -Fekmah then conversed rapidly in the native tongue, and although the -Americans could not catch the meaning of most of the words, they -gathered that their friend was succeeding in employing the man to act -as a guide. A moment later he confirmed their suspicions. - -"He will go," Fekmah said delightedly. "And his price is right." He -then proceeded to introduce the Americans as best he could in his own -language, for the guide could not speak English. - -"Now," began Dr. Kirshner, "what about the camels? Can this fellow, -Tishmak, get them? How many will we need? Ask him, Fekmah. I'm afraid -I can't get along very well with his mixed dialect." - -Their friend put the question before the guide, and he at once gave -them an answer. - -"He says he can get them," Fekmah translated. "And how many we will -need depends on our own taste. But he makes suggest that we use -twenty. That is seven for us to ride and thirteen to carry food and -other things." - -"All right," said Dr. Kirshner. "Have him lead us to them now, so that -we can practise riding." - -Fekmah again turned to the man, who a moment later nodded and motioned -for them to follow him. - -Ten minutes later, after having wound through many narrow streets, the -explorers found themselves in a large open field at the edge of the -town. About them were grazing a hundred or more camels. - -"Here we are," declared Fekmah, his eyes on the idle beasts. - -Tishmak had a moment before left for the house. Now he returned with a -thin, lithe Arab, who was evidently the owner of the camels. - -A short conference between Fekmah and the stranger took place. Then -Fekmah turned to the Americans. - -"We can have the dromedaries," he said. "And he is asking only a fair -amount. Come and I will pick them out." - -The others followed him over the field, where he singled out twenty -of the best-looking beasts. - -"Now," said Mr. Holton, "we want to practise riding before we start on -the real journey. Perhaps we'd better do that this afternoon. Then we -can load up in the evening and get started in the morning." - -Fekmah nodded. - -"We'll go now and come back this afternoon," he said. - -Shortly after the noon meal the explorers left the hotel, intent upon -trying their skill astride the ponderous humps. None of them but -Fekmah had ever had the experience of riding on camelback. - -"Wonder how it'll be?" mused Joe. - -He soon saw. Aside from a most uncomfortable jerking it was a novel -and enjoyable experience, for the time being, at least, surpassing -horseback-riding. - -"But you'll soon get tired of it," said Mr. Holton. "At least Fekmah -says so." - -"Dad might say we'll get fed up on it," remarked Bob, when they were -ready to start back to the hotel. "But I haven't yet." - -"Nor I," put in Joe. "But of course, after several days----" - -There was much to be looked after that evening, and it kept the -explorers busy. Tishmak acted as leader in securing the food supply, -which, however, was also to include canned goods. The naturalists and -Dr. Kirshner attended to last-minute preparations, while the youths -kept their time busy in helping the others. - -Early that night they retired, eager to get all the rest possible. - -"Sleep well," said Mr. Lewis, as the boys jumped in bed. "We'll have -it rough from tomorrow on." - -At four o'clock the next morning Bob and Joe were awakened by Mr. -Lewis, and despite the fact that they were still very sleepy, they -began the task of getting their belongings together. It took them the -better part of an hour, although they worked like beavers. - -"We're ready to leave, boys, if you are," called Dr. Kirshner, opening -the door to their room. "The provisions are on the dromedaries, and -Tishmak is ready." - -The youths' hearts were in their mouths. Leave! Leave for the great -Sahara Desert, with its mysteries and thrills and tragedies! They -could hardly come to a full realization of the true situation. - -"It'll be great, Joe, old boy," said Bob, deeply touched. "At the end -of this expedition we'll be full-fledged adventurers." - -The youths went down to the hotel lobby and found their fathers, Dr. -Kirshner, and Fekmah. Tishmak, the newly engaged guide, had left for -the camels, which he promised to have in readiness. - -Fekmah had made arrangements for a mule cart to take their belongings -to the spot where the dromedaries were grazing. Bob and Joe had -scarcely got the last of their bags down when it arrived, driven by a -short, fat native who looked to be a cross between an Arab and a -Negro. - -The paraphernalia was placed in the wagon. Fekmah climbed up with the -driver to direct him to the camels. - -"Guess we've attended to everything," said Dr. Kirshner. "Let's get -started. It's a good ten-minute walk." - -When they reached the place they found Fekmah and Tishmak awaiting -them. The packs had been strapped on the dromedaries' backs, and the -ropes had been harnessed from the back of one animal to the head of -another, keeping them in single file. - -"Well, let's go," urged Mr. Holton, after one more glance to make sure -that everything was in preparation for the long desert journey. - -The explorers got astride the ponderous humps, and then, while the -master of camels gave them a cheery farewell, they moved out for the -unknown. - -The great desert journey had begun. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -Questionable Strangers - - -Before long the little town of Wargla vanished from the horizon, and a -sense of dread crept over Bob and Joe at the thought that they were -now shut off completely from the outside world. What tragedies might -befall them before they would again see the United States? There were -all sorts of dangers out on that vast stretch of wasteland. Would -their lives be threatened--and possibly lost? - -Bob glanced back and saw the worried look on his chum's face. That -Joe's thoughts had been the same as his was evident. - -"Snap out of it, Joe, old man!" he said, rousing himself. "Think of -the fun we'll have. And the strange sights we'll see. It'll be great. -And behind it all lies adventure." - -Joe nodded. His face took on a smile as he anticipated the coming -events. - -"Wonder what adventures we'll have?" he mused. "But I suppose we'll -soon see." - -The boys were at the end of the little caravan, keeping an eye on the -pack camels. Although ropes had been fastened from the back of one -animal to the head of another, keeping them in single file, it was -best to guard them closely, for anything might happen on the desert. - -Tishmak, acting as the guide, was in the lead, followed by Dr. -Kirshner and the youths' fathers. Fekmah was in the middle of the -line. The twenty dromedaries were spread out over perhaps a quarter of -a mile and trotted at a speed that promised to cover many miles in a -short time. - -"I guess dromedaries don't compare with camels when it comes to fast -traveling," remarked Joe, recalling something that Fekmah had said -some time before. "The one-hump animal makes four times as much -speed." - -In the early morning, as it was, the atmosphere was chilly. Bob and -Joe welcomed the warmth of their tight-fitting coats. - -"I never thought I'd need a wrap on the desert," smiled Bob, fastening -the collar around his neck. - -"We'll need more than coats at night, if what Dr. Kirshner said is -true," said Joe. "Gets cold as Greenland's icy mountains." - -"Seems strange, doesn't it?" - -"Yes. But you remember it was the same way in Brazil. And that's about -as hot a country as there is anywhere." - -Soon the flat hill of Gara Krima, dominating the sandy plain, could be -seen, its smooth surface tinted with many colors. Then it was left -behind, and the explorers came to a region of loose sand. The -dromedaries found it more difficult to plod through, and slackened -their rapid pace somewhat. Although their feet were specially adapted -for traveling on sand, they made much better time on hard surfaces. - -"Look at the dust they're making," observed Bob, as a dense cloud of -fine sand particles arose, making it necessary for the youths to ride -a short distance to one side of the pack animals. - -"They don't believe in kicking it up, do they?" Joe said dryly. - -After a while the sun came out in full splendor, sending its dazzling -rays down on the scorched sand. Bob and Joe soon perspired freely, and -were glad to remove their coats. - -"Whew!" gasped Joe. "I'd give anything for a drink of water." - -"So would I," his friend replied. "I'm going to ride on up and ask for -one." - -"Remember me while you're there." - -It was a good distance to the other end of the caravan, but the -sure-footed dromedary trotted along briskly. Fekmah waved as Bob -passed. - -"How about a drink of water, Dad?" asked Bob, coming up to his -father's camel. - -"Go to it," was the answer. "We'll come to a well before long, and -refill the canteens." - -The third and fourth animals back were the water carriers, and Bob -lost no time in filling his container. Then he drank freely of the -refreshing liquid, and felt new life creep into him. Although warm, -the water did wonders in quenching his thirst. - -Again he filled the container and rode back to his friend, who was -delighted. - -"I was afraid they wouldn't let you have it," Joe said, wiping the -perspiration from his brow. - -"Wouldn't have, only there's a well not far away, and we'll have a -chance to refill the tanks." - -"Well, huh? Wonder if they're this close together all along?" - -"Let's hope so." - -A little later the explorers passed a scattering of bones and -skeletons that were partly covered with sand. They were dry from age, -having probably been uncovered by a sandstorm. - -"Camels' bones, I suppose," remarked Joe. "They've become overcome -with thirst, most likely." - -"Who knows but that the skeletons of their riders are there some -place, too," said Bob, his face sober. - -The sight was not a pleasant one, for it brought to mind the fact -that it was altogether too possible that their little caravan might -perish for want of water also. Some time elapsed before the boys -resumed their cheerful mood. - -As they traveled on, the ground became strewn with small red pebbles -that shone brightly in the dazzling sunlight. - -"I guess most of the rocks here are red," remarked Bob, who had -studied books on the Sahara. - -"Burned that color by the sun, huh?" - -"Seems reasonable, doesn't it? Come to think of it, though, the ground -in the Land of Thirst is black." - -"The Land of Thirst?" - -"Yes. I heard Fekmah talking about it this morning. It's a region -where there are few or no wells, and you have to be very careful to -have a good supply of water in the tanks before you plunge into it." - -"Looks like even then it would be dangerous. What if a storm or -something would hold you back for a long time?" - -"Have to take that chance," Bob replied. "Wouldn't doubt that quite a -few caravans come to a tragic end there." - -"Will we go through it?" Joe asked. - -"Fekmah said we might," was the response. - -Finally they came to the well that Mr. Holton had told about. There -was a steady flow of water, which was comparatively cool. - -"Drink all you want," said Dr. Kirshner. "Tishmak says we won't see -another for a long time." - -The explorers drank and drank, until they could hold no more. Then -they began the task of replenishing the tanks. But as little had been -taken out, this was finished in a very few minutes. - -"Now let's get on," urged Mr. Lewis. "We want to cover a good many -more miles yet before we stop for the noon meal." - -Another hour brought them again to a region of hard soil, and the -dromedaries increased their pace several miles per hour. - -"Wish it would stay like this all the way," said Joe, noting that -ground was being covered much faster. - -"Won't though. But we'll have stretches of it here and there." - -As the minutes passed, the glare from the sand became more intense, -and the temperature went steadily up. The boys had dark-colored -glasses but hesitated to put them on so soon. - -"Wouldn't a good cold drink come in fine now?" asked Bob, keeping his -hands off his canteen with difficulty. - -"Sure would. But we must fight the temptation to drink too often," -returned Joe. "Remember, we're on the desert now, and not in the -mountains, where there are plenty of springs." - -They rode rapidly on, the country remaining about the same. The red -pebbles, however, grew more numerous, some of them glowing like -rubies. - -Joe remarked that they were gradually ascending, and Bob nodded. - -"There's a line of high dunes over there," he said, pointing to the -distant horizon. "Fekmah said when we reach those we'll have climbed a -good many hundred feet. We should get to them tomorrow." - -In a short time they passed beyond the stretch of hard soil and again -plodded through loose sand. From all indications, it was heated to a -high degree by the fierce sun. How the dromedaries stood it was a -mystery to the boys. - -"I wonder how Tishmak can find the way to the Ahaggar Mountains?" -mused Joe, glancing up ahead at the guide. "He isn't using a compass." - -"Does seem strange," Bob agreed. "But I suppose he's been over the -route so much that he knows all the landmarks by heart, though it -looks like a sandstorm or something else would change the surface of -the land." - -Mention of the Ahaggars brought to mind the possibilities of finding -the hidden riches. Bob and Joe wondered if the two thieves who had -caused the explorers so much trouble would, with the aid of the -stolen map, locate the treasure first. Perhaps they had already found -the place and were gloating over the success of their wicked scheming. -The youths said nothing, but the expression on their faces told what -they would do to the men if given the opportunity. - -"We'll finally have a chance to square things," thought Bob, gritting -his teeth. "And oh, how those fellows will look when we're through -with them!" - -A little later they came to a deep valley between the mounds of sand. -In order for the camels to cross it they would find it necessary to -climb the steep sides of the dune. - -Mr. Lewis rode back to the boys. - -"Have to be careful here," he warned. "It's rather steep near the top. -Don't let your mounts get out of control." - -The next instant he was on his way back to the front of the caravan. - -The climb was hard and not a little dangerous, but the sure-footed -dromedaries did not even threaten to slip. - -They had barely reached the top when a cry of delight from Joe mingled -with the scarcely less emotional exclamations of the others at sight -of a small oasis not far away down the opposite slope. A number of -tall date palms towered above the green grassy area, an indication -that water was to be had for the taking. - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Water at last!" - -"And if I'm not mistaken, we'll find dates there, too," put in Joe. - -"You're right," affirmed Mr. Lewis, coming up from the side. "And this -seems to be a good spot to stop for the noon meal. We'll have it shady -this afternoon when we take our midday rest." - -Nearer and nearer they were coming to the oasis, when suddenly, from -behind a low dune of sand, appeared a small caravan of Arabs--possibly -bandits. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -Fighting Heavy Odds - - -"Keep your hands on your guns," called Dr. Kirshner, as he gazed at -the approaching party of Arabs. - -There were ten of them, and each armed with a short range rifle, -which, although inferior to the guns of the Americans, could do a -great deal of damage. In addition to the mounts of the Arabs, there -were six or seven pack camels that trailed. - -As the caravan came nearer, Tishmak waved and shouted a friendly -greeting, but he did not receive the same in return. Evidently the men -had no friendly intentions. - -Tishmak chattered a moment to Fekmah, who then turned to the -Americans. - -"They are probably nomad bandits," Fekmah said excitedly. "Tishmak -says we might have fight." - -"A fight!" cried Joe. "Why? Are they going to try to rob us?" - -Fekmah nodded. - -"Worse, perhaps," he replied. - -"Those fellows would think nothing of killing all of us," said Mr. -Lewis gravely. "So we want to be ready for anything that might -happen." - -As the Arabs came nearer, their leader shouted something to Tishmak, -whose jaw dropped in surprise and astonishment. - -Tishmak turned to Fekmah and conversed rapidly. Then Fekmah translated -to the Americans. - -"They want two of our camels," he said nervously. - -Dr. Kirshner gasped in amazement. - -"Want two of _our_ camels?" he cried, his voice indicating a high -state of anger. - -"What for?" demanded Bob. - -"They say theirs are too much loaded," Fekmah answered. "Want to -spread out packs on more camels." - -"Well, of all the nerve!" exclaimed Mr. Holton. "Tell them to get out -of here--and get out quick, or we'll fill them full of holes!" - -Fekmah turned to the Arabs and put Mr. Holton's command before them. -Then an answer came. - -"They say they go, but we will be sorry," interpreted Fekmah, as the -men turned their camels in the opposite direction. - -A moment later they disappeared behind a low dune, leaving a cloud of -dust at their heels. - -For a moment there was silence among the explorers. Then Mr. Lewis -spoke up. - -"I don't like this," he said, greatly annoyed. "Those men are likely -to slip up on us when we're not expecting them. And such desperate -characters would lose no time in shooting us." - -"But what can we do?" questioned Bob. - -"Keep on the lookout is all," returned Mr. Holton. "But I'd feel much -safer if this hadn't happened." - -The explorers rode on into the oasis and dismounted. It seemed -pleasing to see green trees and grass again. They were delighted that -good fortune had enabled them to find an oasis at a time when it was -wise to stop for a meal and rest. - -There was good water not far away, and they drank all they wanted, -glad of the chance to quench their rapidly overpowering thirst. - -"Now," began Mr. Holton, "we're going to have something to eat. But -first let's put up the tents. It isn't wise to be in such a sun as -this." - -The bags of supplies were removed from the camels. Then the tents were -taken out and put up by Bob and Joe. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton got out -the food and soon laid out a delicious meal of canned goods and native -products. - -"Eat all you want, but don't gorge yourselves," cautioned Mr. Holton, -as they sat about the tent. "There's plenty of stuff, but still we -must be careful. If we're to be gone any length of time, we'll have -to use our provisions sparingly." - -They ate quietly, taking it easy in the shade of the tent. The heat of -the fierce African sun was somewhat abated by the heavy canvas, which -would also serve as a shelter from sand storms, should any come up. - -When the meal was over, they sat for a few minutes talking. Then -Fekmah got up and went over to the corner of the tent. - -"Let us sleep for two or three hours," he said, curling up on the soft -soil. "The sun will soon get so hot that we cannot travel without -making sick." - -"Suits me," agreed Joe. "I feel like I could sleep for two or three -days." - -"One of us had better stand guard, though," said Mr. Lewis. "That -bandit caravan might return unexpectedly." - -"I'll do it," volunteered Dr. Kirshner. "I'm not sleepy. I'll just -take it easy here and read." - -For the next three hours Bob and Joe slept soundly, forgetting that -they were under a scorching desert sun. They were not tired, but were -extremely drowsy from the heat. - -Then suddenly they were awakened with a start. They looked about -wonderingly. - -Dr. Kirshner stood over them, holding his rifle in readiness. - -"The bandits!" he exclaimed excitedly. "I believe they're coming!" - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis jumped to their feet and grabbed their guns. -Cautiously they peered out, holding the flap but a few inches up. - -"Where are they?" demanded Bob's father, while Tishmak and Fekmah ran -forward. - -"I'm not sure that it's they," the archæologist said. "But I heard -camel steps a moment ago, and in this country it is best to -investigate before it's too late." - -A second later Tishmak stopped still and listened. He held up a hand -for silence. Fekmah had also caught a sound. - -"It's they," he whispered. "Camels! They're coming this way!" - -The swishing sound increased, and Dr. Kirshner called his friends -together for a plan of defense. - -"Chances are those bandits were planning on surprising us while we -slept," he said quietly. "They figured that the time to get the camels -they wanted was during our afternoon siesta. But it apparently didn't -occur to them that we would set a guard. - -"Now the thing for us to do is get together and give them a real -welcome with bullets. They'll probably come around the back of the -oasis, where our dromedaries are grazing. We'll go around there and -hide beside that sand dune. Then when the robbers--and I think that's -who the newcomers are--come, we'll fire a volley of bullets into the -air. If we find we can't frighten them away, we'll shoot their camels -from under them. Then if that fails, we'll have to shoot the men." - -The others thought this good advice. - -"We must act cautiously, though," warned Mr. Lewis, as they made their -way to the back of the oasis. - -When they came to the dune, they crouched down and waited. Tishmak -glanced around the corner. - -A moment later he drew back, his face scowling. He mumbled quietly to -Fekmah. - -"They're coming," the latter said. "And they are the robbers." - -The swishing of footsteps grew louder, indicating that the Arabs were -coming nearer. - -"Now!" said Mr. Lewis. "Fire in line, aiming at the sky. Then we'll -see what happens." - -Seven rifles spoke up in rapid succession, a dense cloud of smoke -arising. - -That the robbers had been totally surprised was certain, for a loud -chattering followed. Then the sand was thrown up, and they rode off at -lightning speed. - -Joe peeped around the corner of the dune. - -"They aren't going far," he announced, following the Arabs' movements -closely. "They've stopped behind that sand hill over there." - -"By George!" exclaimed Mr. Holton. "They're going to plant a battery, -are they? Well, just let them waste their ammunition. We won't fire -until necessary." - -"We may need our bullets to use on those two thieves who stole -Fekmah's map," said Bob to his chum, smiling. - -The explorers waited ten minutes for the robbers to take the -aggressive, but they did not. - -"Well," said Dr. Kirshner, turning about, "I'm going over and get our -things packed back on the dromedaries. If nothing prevents, we want to -get started in a short time now. It is much cooler, and we should -cover a good distance by night." - -"We'll stay here and guard a few minutes longer," declared Mr. Lewis. -"There's no telling what those fellows may do." - -Suddenly a sound from the opposite direction caused them to turn -about. Then their expressions changed. - -Not fifty feet down the slope were the robbers, riding at full speed -toward the explorers. The Arabs had their rifles in position to fire, -which they were undoubtedly intending to do when slightly nearer. - -"Quick!" cried Bob, his voice cool but determined. "Fire at them -before they get us!" - -A moment later he took careful aim and pulled the trigger. - -His rifle cracked, and the foremost camel went down, sending its rider -sprawling over the ground. - -Bang! came the sound of Mr. Lewis's gun, and another camel fell. - -The eight Arabs who were still mounted wheeled about and galloped back -hurriedly. As quickly as possible they formed a wide line, one beside -the other, until it stretched several rods. - -"They're going to charge!" observed Dr. Kirshner. "Have your rifles in -position, and make every shot count." - -When the bandits were confident of their formation, their leader gave -the command, and bending low over their camels, they dashed with all -speed toward the explorers. - -Shots rang out from the Arabs' pistols, but they were too unsteady to -cause any damage. - -The explorers' rifles spoke out, and those of Bob and the naturalists -found their marks. - -Again the rifles cracked. Three more camels went down simultaneously. -Now only two of the animals remained on foot, but they were halted -abruptly by their panic-stricken riders. - -"Luckily we downed the leader," remarked Mr. Lewis. "And now," he -added, "suppose we get away from here at once. There will be no -danger of those men starving, for this oasis will furnish them with -food and drink. They can wait for another caravan to furnish them with -more camels." - -Without hesitation the party placed the packs back on the dromedaries -and rode off, Tishmak in the van. - -A few pistol bullets whizzed past uncomfortably close, but soon they -died down as the Arabs saw the futility of their efforts. - -"Whew! That was some experience," remarked Bob, when they were well -out of sight of the oasis. "I hope we see no more such fellows." - -"And you're not the only one," said Dr. Kirshner, shaking his head. -"But the desert swarms with bandits, and it will be strange if we -don't have another such encounter." - -"Maybe we won't have such good luck the next time," mused Joe. - -"Nonsense!" Bob retorted. "We'll drive them off the same as we did -these men." - -"But you got that wrong," corrected Mr. Holton, smiling. "They made -_us_ get away." - -Bob looked a little sheepish as he saw where he had been caught. - -"Well, anyway," he grinned, "they didn't get us." - -As they plodded on, the sand became looser than ever before. The -dromedaries, however, did not seem to notice the change. They plodded -on with the same stiff steps. - -After two hours of constant traveling, the adventurers found -themselves in a narrow valley between two high sand dunes. The country -was gradually losing its level character and was steadily becoming -more hilly. - -Suddenly Mr. Holton gave a cry of delight and pointed to something not -far away. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -A Grim Discovery - - -"What is it?" asked Bob, slow to catch sight of the object. - -"Gazelles," returned his father. "A small herd of them." - -In a moment the agile animals came running out in full view of all, -their beautiful coats showing clearly in the bright sunlight. - -The creatures were about a hundred yards away, not any too near for an -accurate shot, but the naturalists were much in desire of several as -specimens. - -Their long-distance rifles were equipped with telescopes, making it -much easier, according to the naturalists, to sight an object at a -hundred yards or more. Bob's gun, however, did not have this -convenience. - -Mr. Lewis prepared to take aim. - -"You take the animal to the extreme right, Howard," he said to Mr. -Holton. "Bob, you pick the one in the middle, and I'll try to get one -at the left. Tom," he said to Dr. Kirshner, "suppose you count to -three. When you say three we'll all fire together. Let's go, now." - -"One, two, THREE." - -Bang! Three rifles spoke as one. - -Mr. Holton cried out in delight. - -"Hurrah!" he said. "Got all of the ones we aimed at. Good work." - -The report of the guns caused great disorder in the herd, the graceful -creatures leaping about at a speed that did their thin, muscular legs -full justice. Before long they had disappeared behind the sand dunes. - -"Now we'll ride over and see what the ones killed look like," said Mr. -Lewis. - -As the dead gazelles were not in a direction that would take the -explorers off their steady course, the pack camels were driven along -also. - -When they reached the spot, Joe cried out in amazement at sight of the -gazelles' sleek skin. It was of a yellowish brown color, and the -abdomen was as white as snow. The legs were long and thin, narrowing -down to a finely shaped hoof. - -"As beautiful an animal as one can find," declared Mr. Lewis, who with -Mr. Holton had been everywhere and knew what he was talking about. - -"Two males and a female," observed Bob's father, noting the curved -horns of the former. - -"Look at the eyes," said Joe. "They're almost jet black." - -The naturalists began at once the task of removing the skins, for it -was best not to leave them on too long under such a sun. - -As soon as this was completed they were placed in a solution of alum -that had been prepared by Dr. Kirshner under the naturalists' -directions. - -"In our opinion, that's the best preservative there is," remarked Mr. -Holton, "although there are many others in use." - -It required the better part of two hours to complete the task. The sun -was just beginning to sink behind the distant mounds when they were -ready to continue the journey. - -"Be dark before long," predicted Fekmah. "Then we will have to stop -and wait for the moon. If you have not before traveled on desert under -moon, you have much to see." - -They plodded continually on, Bob and Joe occasionally taking motion -pictures. As the heat gradually became less intense, the youths felt a -thrill of exultation run through their veins. Now there was nothing to -worry about, no fierce sun to sweat under, no cares or anxieties to -occupy their minds. Life--life on the boundless Sahara--seemed great. - -"The folks back home are sure missing something," smiled Bob. "Though -I suppose a lot of them wouldn't care for doings of this kind." - -Slowly the darkness came. At last, when the little caravan was in a -notch between two unusually high dunes, Tishmak called a halt and -conversed with Fekmah. Then the latter turned to the Americans. - -"Tishmak says it is not thing to go on through darkness," he told -them. "Might come on to something bad. We'll wait here for moon to -come out, then go on." - -"Now's a good chance to get our suppers," said Dr. Kirshner, -commanding his dromedary to lower. - -By the aid of flashlights a limited but satisfying meal was prepared -on paper, and the adventurers all ate heartily. - -"Too bad there's nothing for the camels," said Mr. Lewis. - -"No need of worrying about them," returned Fekmah. "They can have no -food or drink for good many days. Soon we come to region of thin -vegetation. Then they eat." - -After the meal the explorers stretched out on the now cool sand, glad -of a chance to rest their tired limbs. The constant jolting of the -dromedaries had contributed much toward fatiguing them. - -"Now's the time when a coat comes in handy," said Bob, reaching into -his bag on the camel's back. - -"Wait till dawn, if you want to see real cold weather," came from Dr. -Kirshner. "Isn't that right, Fekmah?" - -The Arab nodded. - -"Temperature often gets down to thirty-five degrees," he said. - -Before long the moon came out in full splendor, flooding the vast -expanse with enchanting light and creating a scene beautiful beyond -description. The sand looked white all about, broken only by an -occasional ripple caused by the wind. The brilliant moon was -surrounded by a large white circle, which seemed to throw silver darts -on the dunes. In the distance were groups of luminous clouds, whose -ragged edges were transparent. It was a wonderful sight, and the -explorers sat for some time as though transfixed. - -"Never saw anything like it in my life!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, his -breath almost taken away by the magnificent spectacle. - -"Wonder if we're dreaming?" mused Joe, also fascinated. - -Fekmah and Tishmak had been out to witness such a spectacle before, -but seemed to think no less of it. - -"I guess here's a case where familiarity doesn't breed contempt," -laughed Mr. Lewis, his eyes on the Arabs. - -Bob got out the movie camera, intent upon taking several scenes that -would be "really different." - -"Moonlight always makes a good impression on a motion-picture -audience," remarked Joe. "And away out here on the Sahara--well, it'll -seem wonderful!" - -Tishmak made signs that they move on, and the others were glad to do -so. Since there was so much light, it would be easy to find their way. - -They were now in a region of high sand hills, with still no rocks -other than the small bright-colored pebbles that were scattered about. -Vegetation began to be more numerous in the form of _had_, _drinn_, -and other plants, which were occasionally eaten by the dromedaries. - -"I wonder if Fekmah is sure he's headed right?" said Bob, as he and -his friend again took their places at the end of the caravan. - -"He doesn't seem to be having any trouble yet," was the reply. "You -remember he made another map from memory after the first one was -stolen. Chances are he knows where he's going." - -"If he doesn't, we probably won't find the hidden riches," was Bob's -return. - -They trudged on, up and down the sand hills, until about ten o'clock. -Then Tishmak called a halt. - -"We camp here for night," announced Fekmah, after a short conference -with the guide. "It not wise to go any farther tonight. We get a -sleep; then start on in morning." - -"I was just thinking it's about time," laughed Dr. Kirshner. - -Tishmak had purposely picked out a deep gulch between the mounds as -the stopping place. This would be a fair precaution against the nomad -bandits who were reputed to be in this region. - -"Takes a guide to know what's best," remarked Bob, observing the high -walls of sand all about them. "The country in this vicinity is so -rough that a caravan wouldn't come anywhere near it, especially later -on, when it will be pitch dark." - -The explorers dismounted and got out the tent. The poles were put up, -and in a short time everything was in readiness for the night's sleep. - -"Curl up tightly in your blankets," advised Mr. Lewis, as he prepared -to occupy a corner of the tent. "It will be very cold along toward -dawn." - -"And will we sleep!" said Bob, throwing himself down in relaxation. - -Bob's prediction proved right. The boys enjoyed the deep slumber that -only an explorer can experience. It was wholly unexpected that they be -awakened at dawn by their elders. - -"It's a dirty trick!" grinned Joe, as his father urged him to fully -awaken. - -"I know," the naturalist said sympathetically. "But we must be on our -way before the sun gets so hot that traveling will be dangerous." - -But once up, it was easy to forget sleepiness and enjoy the -early-morning air. - -"Talk about cold!" cried Joe, shivering in spite of the fact that he -was wrapped in a heavy coat. "I'll bet the old mercury is down to -thirty degrees." - -"Not quite that bad," laughed Dr. Kirshner, holding up a thermometer. -"It's thirty-eight." - -"Even that is cold for the desert," said Bob. "I always had the -impression that it is hot all the time." - -"There are some places that way," returned Mr. Lewis. "But certainly -not the old Sahara." - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton got out the provisions and began preparing -the breakfast. - -"And while they're doing that, suppose we go up to the top of this -mound," suggested Bob to his chum. "It's rather high. Maybe we can get -a view of the country ahead of us." - -"Don't be gone long, boys," called Dr. Kirshner, as they made their -way to the edge of the hill. - -The sand under their feet was, in many places, loose and unstable, but -they found sufficient hard spots to make safe footholds. It was not a -little difficult to estimate where they could safely climb higher. -Perspiration was dripping from them when they at last reached the top -and turned their gaze toward the horizon. - -A cry of astonishment came from Joe at the scene that was spread out -before them. The dunes that stretched away in the distance were tinted -with many colors, showing strangely in the early-morning light. Some -were pink, others blue, still others green, while the ones farther -away paled away into nothingness. - -"That's a new one on me," remarked Bob, highly puzzled. "I never -expected anything like this." - -"Nor I. Wonder what causes it?" - -"Beyond me." - -They stood for some time gazing at the varicolored mounds. Then Joe -turned about. - -"Better get back to camp," he suggested. "Breakfast may be ready." - -They were about to retrace their footsteps when they heard a rustling -sound but a few feet away. - -"What's that?" muttered Bob, sensing that danger was at hand. - -The youths glanced around--and then shrank back in horror! - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -The Hideous Reptile - - -"A horned viper!" exclaimed Bob fearfully, recognizing the long, -sinister body that was coiled almost at their feet. - -"And it's going to strike!" cried Joe. "Get your pistol--quick! We'll -both fire at it. Oh, how I wish we had our rifles!" - -The snake was preparing to lunge forward, its terrible head swaying -slowly from side to side. Whether or not the fangs contained poison, -the boys did not know, but they knew they could not take a chance. - -Neither Bob nor Joe was an outstanding shot with a revolver, and they -felt rather panic-stricken as they raised the weapons and took aim. - -After a few seconds that seemed to the youths like hours, Bob pulled -the trigger. - -A moment later the cold sweat burst out on his forehead, as he saw -that he had missed. Before he could take another aim, the reptile -would be upon him, a mass of scaly ferocity. - -Bang! - -Joe's pistol spoke out, and the bullet caught the snake in the neck, -just as it was about to strike. - -Another shot from Joe's automatic struck in a vital spot. The fiendish -head turned violently, then fell to the ground with a thud. The tail -twitched about momentarily, and as life passed out, the horrible body -lay still. - -It was some time before Bob and Joe could regain their natural peace -of mind, for the strain had been great. Their hearts were beating -rapidly from the unusual mental exertion. - -"A narrow escape!" breathed Joe, putting his gun back in its holster. - -"Thanks to you, old boy, we came out alive," praised Bob, giving his -friend an affectionate pat on the back. "It was your coolness and -determination that sent those bullets in the right place. I was too -nervous, I guess." - -"But say," began Joe, turning aside the commendation of his friend, -"our dads might want this fellow as a specimen. Do you suppose they -would? Those bullets didn't shatter it as a rifle cartridge would -have." - -The youths were not particularly anxious to handle the long, scaly -body, but they felt it their duty to do all they could for their -fathers. - -"What say we take it to the edge of the hill and roll it down?" -suggested Bob. "The way is gradual and there are no protruding crags -to tear it." - -"All right. We never can carry it without falling ourselves." - -The reptile was pushed over the side of the dune, and the boys made -their way down. They slid more than climbed, but reached the bottom -uninjured. - -Mr. Lewis came out to meet them, on his face a look of anxiety. - -"What kept you so long?" he asked. - -"That over there," replied Joe, pointing to the snake, which lay but a -few feet away. - -The naturalist ran over to it. Then he straightened up in surprise. - -"A horned viper," he pronounced. "Where'd you find it?" - -Bob related the narrow escape at the top of the dune, not forgetting -to point out Joe's part in killing the reptile. When he had finished, -Mr. Lewis shook his head gravely. - -"Never leave camp without your rifles," he warned them. "In a strange -land anything is likely to happen." - -During breakfast the youths' experience with the viper was the chief -topic for conversation. Tishmak looked at the boys with a new respect -as he heard the account of their daring deed. - -As soon as the morning meal was over, the tent and provisions were -packed back on the dromedaries, and the explorers continued their -journey. - -"How much ground did we probably cover yesterday?" asked Dr. Kirshner -of Fekmah, as they followed a narrow way between the rolling sand -dunes. - -"At least a hundred miles," the Arab answered. "Perhaps many more. -Dromedaries trot rather rapid." - -"Then, at that rate, it shouldn't take us so very long to reach the -Ahaggaras, should it?" asked Joe, who with Bob had not yet taken his -place at the end of the caravan. - -"No. But something could keep us back. Maybe storm, or could be -bandits. Never know about that." - -As the explorers moved on, they occasionally saw small animals and -birds. The naturalists were constantly on the lookout, shooting any -creature that came within range of their guns. Among the victims of -their marksmanship were desert larks, rats, hares, lizards, and a -small animal called the ferrec. - -Bob and Joe kept their time occupied in taking motion pictures of the -country they were passing through. By the time that their caravan had -stopped for the midday meal, the boys had "rolled off" a good many -hundred feet of film. - -"Here's hoping our moving pictures here prove to be as successful as -those that we took in Brazil," said Joe, as he took out a bag of -rations from a camel's pack. - -"If they do, the Neuman Film Corporation may give us a job on every -future expedition we might make with our dads," came from Bob. - -Thus far the day's traveling had not yet brought them to an oasis. -Tishmak informed them that water would probably not be found until -late the next night. The containers, however, held a large supply, -making it unnecessary for the explorers to worry. - -"It's a good thing the dromedaries don't need it often," said Mr. -Lewis, as he went about preparing the meal. - -"Four or five days is often enough for them," put in Mr. Holton. "They -can go much longer than that, but it isn't wise to risk it." - -It was about eleven o'clock, the time advisable to begin the usual -afternoon rest. Bob and Joe were glad of the chance to escape the heat -of the fierce sun. Even in the morning it was too hot for comfort, -although nothing compared to the baking atmosphere of the afternoon. -The youths were tanned so dark as to resemble Arabs. - -"Funny," smiled Joe. "Back in the United States we fellows wanted to -get burned by the sun. Here we try to keep out from under it." - -"All goes to prove that circumstances alter cases," laughed Dr. -Kirshner. - -The tent was again pitched, and the meal eaten. This time, however, -water was used sparingly. The adventurers did not wish to run the risk -of getting dangerously short. - -It was thought best to set a guard again while the others slept or -idly rested on the cool sand. Mr. Holton took the job, sitting in the -shade of the tent facing the resting dromedaries. - -"Chances are nothing will turn up, though," he said, and proved to be -right. - -Sharply at three o'clock Dr. Kirshner was up stretching himself and -suggesting that they continue the journey. - -"It isn't the thing to wait too long," he reminded his friends, "even -if we are drowsy. By night we want to have covered another hundred -miles or more. I'm especially anxious to reach the mountainous region -and see what I can find in the way of records of ancient peoples who -might have lived there before the desert became a desert," he added, -laughing. - -The others were more than willing to start on. When sleepiness or -drowsiness threatened to overpower them at the wrong time, the thought -of the two thieves who had stolen Fekmah's map spurred them on to -action. - -"I don't know that it is necessary to set a guard while we take our -afternoon rests," remarked Fekmah casually, as they packed the tent -back in its place for the journey. - -The Americans looked at him wonderingly. - -"The dromedaries will give us warning," he explained. "They are much -uneasy if stranger come near camp. They jump up and make noise." - -"A bit like watchdogs, are they?" said Mr. Holton. "Well, we'll give -them a tryout the next time." - -They again took up the journey, winding in and out among the rolling -sand hills. Occasionally they would come to a dune several hundred -feet high. They seemed to be gradually mounting higher, for the camels -did not move as rapidly as before. - -Vegetation increased still more, giving the dromedaries an opportunity -to nibble often on the various plants and shrubs. A few scattered -trees began to be seen, their sharp thorns protruding threateningly. - -"Camels don't bother with thorns," remarked Bob. "They know just where -to take a mouthful without cutting their mouths." - -"And they aren't particular about their diet, either," Joe added, -remembering what Fekmah had told him some time before. "Leather, -paper, wood--almost anything will satisfy their appetites." - -At last they came to the region of high sand dunes that were visible -the day before. Many of the hills towered five and six hundred feet, -and a few were much higher than that. The explorers were lucky in -finding a narrow lane that passed between the mounds. How long the -good fortune would continue, they did not know. - -"Getting to look more like the dunes in Indiana, back in the United -States," remarked Joe. "But of course these stretch a hundred times as -far." - -In some places the ground was hard and brittle, while in others it was -strewn with loose sand. - -At last the lane stopped, and the adventurers found themselves face to -face with a high hill. - -"Guess we'll have to climb it," said Mr. Holton, looking about. "There -is no other way out. The sand seems to be hard and safe enough. And it -could be a great deal steeper." - -"Let dromedaries go slowly," cautioned Fekmah. "Do not hurry them." - -They began the dangerous ascent, keeping their eyes glued to the -ground. Slowly the camels trudged up, feeling their steps carefully. - -They were almost to the top when suddenly the ground gave way from -under Joe's dromedary. The animal fell to its knees, struggled for a -moment, and fell backward. - -With a wild shout Joe plunged from the animal's back and went rolling -helplessly down the hill! - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -Falling Helplessly - - -Down the steep slope Joe went, powerless to catch himself. There were -no shrubs or stalks to grip, no hard soil to cling to. - -His mind was in a whirl. Where would he land? How far had he yet to -go? He comforted himself in the thought that there were no rocks or -tree trunks to dash against, but if the soil at the bottom of the hill -happened to be hard, his doom might be sealed. Already he could feel -the jar and pain of suddenly coming to an abrupt stop on unyielding -ground. - -Down, down he went, past the pack camels that were still slowly -climbing the steep side of the mound, lucky enough to have been missed -by the falling camel. - -Joe caught a momentary glimpse of his own dromedary, which was also -rolling rapidly down. - -Suddenly he felt a severe jar and gradually came to a stop in the soft -sand at the foot of the dune. - -A moment later he glanced up fearfully, as he saw his dromedary -coming down at him with lightning rapidity. - -He tried to rise and dash to one side, but his feet failed to respond -to his efforts. They had been numbed by the jar of striking the -ground. - -The falling camel was almost upon him now. Something must be done at -once! - -Summoning all his strength, he threw his body to the right of the -oncoming animal. It was an act of desperation, and he felt sure that -it would fail. But a moment later there was a rush, the sound of -swishing sand, and the animal whisked past, stirring up a dense cloud -of fine soil. - -Joe gave a sigh of relief and for a brief period sank back down on the -sand, as though waiting for his strength to be restored. Then he was -up, looking for the fallen camel. - -It had come to a stop in a drift of loose sand and appeared to be -uninjured. But it was snorting and kicking furiously, its anger -visibly heightened to a high degree. - -Joe ran over to it and attempted to give aid, but the furious -dromedary kicked at him in a rage. - -Mr. Lewis and Bob came running down, finding footholds with -difficulty. - -"Wait!" cautioned the naturalist. "Don't hurry the camel. Let him take -his time. His fit of anger will be over in a few minutes," and then -added: "That was some fall! We were afraid you'd be hurt seriously. -No bones broken, are there?" - -"I guess not," Joe replied. "Just shaken up a bit. I'm afraid the -dromedary is hurt more than I. Don't see what could prevent it." - -"You may be right," his father said solemnly. "We'll find out in a -minute." - -Before long the animal's anger lessened, and it tried to rise. But its -legs refused to move, despite the frantic efforts. - -Mr. Lewis's face took on an expression of anxiety. He bent down and -felt of the struggling legs. Then he straightened up and shook his -head hopelessly. - -"Broken," he muttered in a tense voice. "Two legs are broken." - -"What!" cried Mr. Holton, who, along with the others, had managed to -scramble down the hill. - -"Look for yourselves," Mr. Lewis said gravely. "The camel's weight was -too great to come continually against the rather fragile limbs, and -the hind ones snapped in two." - -The explorers' faces were greatly sobered by the dread discovery. Now -there was but one thing to do. The unfortunate beast must be left to -die a slow and torturing death. There was no other way out, for the -legs could not be set, and the beast could not be taken on. - -Mr. Holton unstrapped his rifle from his shoulder. - -"I'm going to put an end to it," he said with a sudden decision. "It -seems only humane, for otherwise death will come slowly and horribly." - -He walked over to a small elevation along the side of the dune, while -his friends moved away to a safe distance. - -After a moment of careful aim, he pulled the trigger. - -The high-velocity bullet sped true, penetrating the brain. - -There was but one spasmodic movement; then the camel rolled over, -dead. - -For some time the explorers were silent. It was not pleasant to see -the useful dromedary come to such an end. Finally Joe began the ascent -of the dune. - -"It'll seem strange without that camel," he said. "How will I manage -to have a mount?" - -"You'll have to take one of the pack animals," returned Dr. Kirshner. -"We'll divide the supplies among the others and get along some way. If -we do the right kind of scheming, I don't believe the other camels -will notice the extra load." - -It was difficult work climbing the treacherous slope of the dune. Many -times their feet would scarcely find a foothold when the sand would -give way, making it necessary for them to sprawl out or clutch one -another in order to prevent rolling down. - -At last they reached the top and began dividing the provisions among -nine of the ten pack dromedaries. It required over an hour to complete -the task, for it was difficult to find places for all their -belongings. - -"Now you may find it hard to get used to the strange camel," said Mr. -Holton, as Joe straddled the kneeling animal. "He may act up and -threaten to throw you, but stick to it. It won't take long to show him -you mean business." - -"He's been broken in some," remarked Fekmah. "Though it may been good -time since he had rider." - -Much to their surprise the dromedary responded to Joe's commands at -once, resigning himself over to his new master. - -"And am I glad!" the youth exclaimed, as the little caravan prepared -to resume the journey. - -"That's rather an exceptional piece of luck," smiled Mr. Holton. -"Usually it takes a good while for a camel to get used to its new -rider." - -The explorers continued the journey, although they realized that they -could cover but a few more miles before dark. Already the sun was -beginning to sink behind the distant hills, tinting the dunes many -colors. - -"Didn't get as far today as we did yesterday," observed Bob, as the -boys waited for Tishmak to find a suitable stopping place. - -The guide found the place he wanted between two large dunes, which -were spread out over a large amount of ground. - -"Tishmak say we wait here and get supper," said Fekmah, after a moment -of conversation in the native tongue. "Then when moon come out, we go -on and try to make up for lost time." - -"That suits me," agreed Dr. Kirshner. "Almost anything would satisfy -my appetite right now." - -The explorers dismounted and prepared the meal, which after the -strenuous hours of constant traveling tasted delicious. Then they sat -quietly in the semidarkness. - -At last the moon came out, and the desert was again seen to take on a -new appearance. The sand was even more beautiful than the night -before, white as it was from the soft light. - -Tishmak motioned for the adventurers to mount their dromedaries and -get under way. If they expected to get over much more territory, it -would be necessary to hurry. - -"Here's hoping we can come up to our hundred-mile minimum," said Joe, -urging his camel to trot faster. - -It was nearly ten o'clock when they finally stopped for the night's -slumber. Fekmah was well satisfied with the distance they had made -that day. - -"Tomorrow we will come to Tudemait Plateau," he said, after -conversing with Tishmak. "It is a rocky region, with large black -boulders." - -"Then we won't see any more sand dunes?" asked Bob. - -"No. The country will be rather level, but we will have to go many -kilometers out of way to avoid rocks." - -"That'll suit me," put in Joe. "I'm tired of seeing nothing but sand." - -That night they trusted to good fortune and did not set a guard. -Tishmak informed them that there was little danger of robbers in that -region, and the alertness of the camels would be an added precaution. - -"We are nearing the country of the Tuaregs," explained Fekmah. "These -natives are friendly, but drive away nomad robbers. We probably be -safe tonight." - -And they were. The next morning they had completely regained their -natural liveliness and pep, feeling thoroughly refreshed and ready for -anything the day might bring. - -Breakfast over, the long journey was resumed. - -As Tishmak had predicted, the country gradually began to change. The -sand dunes that had recently been high slowly became smaller and -lower, and vegetation increased still more. Small rocks were -everywhere, their color a dark gray or black. In the distance the -sharp crags of the Tudemait Plateau could be seen. - -As the explorers neared a low long mound, Tishmak's dromedary suddenly -halted and sniffed nervously. A moment later the animals of the other -explorers also came to a stop. - -"What's this!" exclaimed Mr. Lewis, looking about wonderingly. - -"Guess they heard something," said Dr. Kirshner. "What it was, we'll -see in a moment. They have an uncanny power of detecting noises that -we men can't catch." - -Tishmak unstrapped his rifle and motioned for the others to do -likewise. - -"Wonder if it's bandits," muttered Joe, holding his gun in readiness. - -The sound of camels' footsteps now reached the adventurers' ears. Then -from behind a hill appeared a long trading caravan of Arabs, who also -had their rifles in readiness. - -Tishmak rushed forward, throwing his hands apart in a gesture of -friendliness. He was followed by Fekmah and the others. - -As soon as the Arabs saw that the whites meant no harm, they stopped -and talked freely. Much to Dr. Kirshner's delight, he could understand -the men easily, their language differing greatly from that of Tishmak. - -The Americans learned that the caravan was on its way to Wargla, -loaded with a large supply of dried dates, grapes, and many other -products of the desert oases. It was made up of over seven hundred -camels, which were in a line several miles long. - -"Look at the leader," said Joe to his chum, referring to the head -camel. "It's decorated with about as many colors as there are." - -"Want to make a good showing," smiled Bob. "From what I've heard, a -caravan is judged by how well the first camel is engulfed by colors." - -Much as the explorers would have liked to talk with the Arabs, they -did not stop long. Time was too valuable to be wasted, especially when -they were literally running a race with the two thieves who had stolen -Fekmah's map. - -But before they left, Bob and Joe took motion pictures of the caravan -at several distances. Especially were the youths pleased by the -friendly attitude of the Arabs when the camera was held before them. - -"Doubt if they know what it's all about," smiled Bob. "But that -doesn't keep the pictures from being good." - -"Wouldn't they be surprised if they could see themselves on the -screen!" laughed Joe. "They'd probably think something supernatural -was taking place." - -With a cheery farewell the American expedition left the Arabs at the -head of the trading caravan and again took up the journey. But it -required nearly a half-hour to pass the last of the pack camels, which -were guarded at intervals of every fifty animals by an armed Arab. - -"Seven hundred camels is a good many," remarked Bob, as the youths -rode at the rear of their own pack animals. "Their owner must have a -good bit of money." - -"Many of those Arabs are wealthy, I guess," said Joe. "Fekmah said -some have as many as two thousand camels." - -As the explorers moved on, they saw other signs of small game. -Occasionally Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis displayed their skill with a -rifle by shooting creatures from a great distance. - -"Seems to be getting a little darker," remarked Joe, as they descended -into a little valley. - -"Darker? Couldn't be." - -Then, as Bob gazed ahead at the opposite slope, he uttered an -exclamation of bewilderment. - -"It _is_ getting darker!" he cried. "Why--why, it's impossible. Dark -at nine in the morning! Something's wrong somewhere!" - -A second later Mr. Holton rode up to the boys anxiously. - -"Get out your goggles!" he directed them. "We seem to be riding into a -fog of black dust. Tishmak thinks we may have to stop for the day." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -As Guests of Heathens - - -"What!" cried Bob excitedly. "Stop for the day! We--we can't. Our time -is worth too much!" - -The naturalist laughed unwillingly. - -"This time it's a question of what we have to do," he said dryly. "If -the blackness increases, it will be suicide to plunge through it with -so many rocks and walls of stone near." - -The boys and Mr. Holton rode on up to the front of the caravan, where -Tishmak and Fekmah were visibly moved with fear. - -The darkness was becoming more intense with every minute. Soon the -explorers could not see one another. - -"It might be well to get off our dromedaries," suggested Mr. Lewis. -"If this is to continue long, it won't pay to remain mounted." - -"This is likely to mean a loss of several hours," said Fekmah gravely. -"Then again, the fog of dust might pass away in but few minutes." - -"Worst thing about it is the difficulty to breathe," pointed out Dr. -Kirshner. "Tragedy has been known to come upon caravans in this -manner." - -It was indeed stifling, but the adventurers managed to get air through -the dust. They feared every minute that time would bring about an -impossibility to breathe. - -Much to their relief, that dread moment did not come, and after a -half-hour the blackness gradually thinned out until it again became -light. - -"Thank goodness!" breathed Mr. Lewis. "Now let's get on our way -again." - -Still more the country was changing. The rocks became more jagged, -taking on many shapes and forms. Small trees and plants became more -abundant, causing the region to resemble certain areas of the American -desert. And along with this plant life came numerous traces of wild -animals. - -"Wish we would run across a fox," said Joe. "I'm anxious to shoot -anything." - -"Probably will," returned Bob. "I guess there are not only foxes but -jackals and other small game. There should be much more here than in -the sandy section." - -The party stopped at eleven o'clock for the meal and midday rest. This -time the dromedaries alone were to be the guards, for they had already -proved their efficiency in detecting unusual noises. - -At two they were again on their way, climbing a gentle slope -widespread with sharp rocks. - -"Seems strange to get away from the sand dunes," remarked Bob. "It -hardly is like a desert now." - -As they passed up a rocky hill, Fekmah called a halt. - -"We have come to the Tudemait Plateau," he announced, getting out the -map that he had made from memory. "That sharp peak in the distance is -one of the landmarks. Now we pass through this plateau for rest of -today and part of tomorrow; then come to another sandy stretch." - -"Then what?" inquired Mr. Holton. - -"Get to Ahaggar Mountains," the Arab replied. "We have to follow -compass more close from now on, because must see peak called Illiman. -Then we know we near treasure." - -"And here's hoping those two thieves haven't gotten there first and -taken everything away," said Joe. - -That afternoon they came to a small well and refilled their -containers, which were beginning to get low. Despite the fact that the -water was exceedingly warm, it was greatly welcomed by the explorers. - -A high hill was before them, and Bob suggested that they climb to the -top afoot and make out the character of the land ahead of them. - -The others were in favor of doing so, for Fekmah might catch sight of -something that would be recognized as a landmark on the map. - -The climb was tiresome but easy, the many boulders offering footholds. -Finally they reached the top and turned their gaze toward the horizon. - -"What's that 'way over there?" asked Joe, pointing to a narrow valley -walled closely by high rocks. - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton had their binoculars strapped over their -shoulders. They took them out and peered into the distance. - -Suddenly Mr. Holton started. - -"It's a village!" he exclaimed, and Mr. Lewis nodded. "A village of -Arabs. Look at the low huts of sun-baked mud," handing the binoculars -to Fekmah. - -"Yes," said Fekmah, gazing out through the glasses. "Suppose we go -over there and see them. They treat us all right. It not take much of -our time." - -"All right," returned Dr. Kirshner. "I'm anxious to make a casual -study of them. They might have some primitive implements that belonged -to their remote ancestors." - -The adventurers made their way down the hill and mounted their camels. -Then they rode off toward the distant valley. It was a good distance -away, and perhaps hard of access, but the explorers were determined to -find it. - -In less time than they had expected, they came to a spot that would -probably afford an opening into the valley. For a few minutes they -wound in and out among the rocks. Then they came within sight of the -village. - -A crowd of Arabs ran out to meet them, uttering hearty greetings. It -was evident that expeditions rarely passed within sight of their -dwellings, for they were very excited. - -Tishmak and Fekmah conversed with the people in a very friendly manner -and then introduced the others of the American expedition. - -Dr. Kirshner and the naturalists found it almost impossible to -understand the language, and they were satisfied with Fekmah's -translations. - -"A good chance to take some movies," said Bob, getting out the camera. - -"Don't suppose the Arabs would object," added Joe. "At any rate, we'll -risk it." - -The youths cranked off several scenes of the Arabs and their village. -It was clear to the explorers that the people had never seen a -motion-picture camera before. The strange purring box was an object of -curiosity, and they crowded around like so many children. - -To the Americans, these people were of great interest. The men and -women dressed almost alike, in a long, white robe that reached to the -ankles. A tight-fitting cloth was wound around the head, and the back -of the neck was protected from the sun by a black veil. They were of a -naturally swarthy complexion, which was still further darkened by the -fierce desert heat. - -"Not very pleasant to look at," said Bob to his chum. "But they sure -are giving us a hearty welcome." - -"That's probably because they're so unused to seeing strangers," Joe -remarked. "Nearly all friendly natives are that way." - -The Arabs led the explorers into the main part of the village, where -there was a large open space before the chief's, or sheik's, hut. -Suddenly the head native stopped and pointed to a distant large rock. -He babbled animatedly to Tishmak and Fekmah, whose faces took on a -look of disgust. - -"Sheik say over there is a place where they bury those guilty of -witchcraft," Fekmah explained to the Americans. "They put to a -terrible death, and then their bones taken over there." - -Mr. Holton shook his head repulsively. - -"Ignorance is the root of evil," he said. "These people are even worse -off than the Negroes of the Congo. They so infrequently come into -contact with civilization that they have degenerated into a state of -almost nothingness." - -"With even more respect for Fekmah and Tishmak, the Arabs in many -remote sections of the Sahara are a bloodthirsty, treacherous, and -immoral people," put in Dr. Kirshner. "They do not at all compare -with their brothers in Algiers and other places nearer the coast." - -Fekmah nodded. - -"Praise be to Allah that I was not born here," he muttered. - -The sheik invited the explorers to stay for dinner, but Fekmah -politely refused, saying that they must hurry on. - -"We have many miles to go yet," he told them in the native tongue. "If -we are to get far today we must be going now." - -The explorers left the village for their camels, the Arabs shouting -warm farewells. - -"Professor Bigelow ought to be here," smiled Joe, referring to a -famous anthropologist who had accompanied them on their expedition in -Brazil. - -"Wouldn't he be tickled," laughed Mr. Lewis. "But then--maybe he's -already been here. He has been about everywhere else studying -primitive people." - -Soon the adventurers were out of the narrow valley, again taking up -the journey. They were glad to get started again, welcoming any new -sight in the way of oddly shaped rocks, deep valleys, and other -formations of nature. - -Darkness was rapidly falling, but they kept traveling until it became -impossible to see ahead. Then Tishmak held up his hand for them to -stop. - -Again they waited for the moon, not continuing the trip until it came -out. - -"Tonight we must make up for the lost time at village," said Fekmah. -"We can stand to stay up an hour later." - -It was not until eleven o'clock that they finally came to a stop in a -wild, rocky region. The tents were put up for the night. - -The next morning the explorers were barely up when Joe happened to -notice something crawling toward him as he sat near the tent. - -He was up in a moment, looking about fearfully. - -"A scorpion!" he cried excitedly. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -Steady Aim - - -The creature that was slowly moving toward Joe was as large as his -hand, with long, powerful legs that were doubled ready to spring. And -Joe well knew what that spring would mean. - -The youth viewed the hideous scorpion with a terrible awe, fearing to -move lest it become angered and charge. What was he to do? He knew he -could not get up in time, for his terrible enemy would be upon him. -Yet if he should remain sitting, he would surely feel the hairy mass -upon him in a very few seconds. - -Slowly Joe reached into his holster for his pistol. He was a poor shot -with such a weapon, but the chance had to be taken. Still there was a -possibility that he might kill the huge spider by throwing the gun at -it. - -With a sudden movement the youth drew out the automatic and carefully -but hurriedly threw it with all his strength. - -Then his heart sank as he saw the gun whiz past the scorpion and roll -across the hard ground. The sudden movement angered the creature -still more, and it crouched as if to charge. - -Suddenly, as a last resort, Joe sprang to his feet and dodged to one -side, just as the scorpion left the ground. As the result the charge -was unsuccessful, the huge spider alighting several feet to the -youth's left. - -The next moment Joe was in the tent, looking about nervously. He -picked up his rifle and dashed back outside. - -The scorpion was slowly crawling toward the entrance to the tent when -Joe took careful aim and fired. - -His aim was true. The small bullet caught the creature squarely, -shattering it into pulp, which flew in several directions. - -After watching the remains of the scorpion for a moment, Joe turned -about, to find Dr. Kirshner and Bob standing beside him with small -rifles. - -"That was a wonderful shot, Joe," praised the archæologist. "Bob and I -happened to have our rifles and would have taken a shot at the -scorpion if you had missed." - -"So you saw, did you? Well, I don't mind saying that I was frightened -stiff for a few minutes. Thought sure I was a goner." - -He was forced to tell of the entire experience, and in the end his -listeners looked grave. - -"A very narrow escape," said Dr. Kirshner, who, along with the -naturalists and Fekmah, had listened breathlessly. - -"Scorpions are terrible adversaries," said Mr. Holton soberly. "The -fluid they inject is extremely poisonous! From now on we'll have to -watch more closely." - -After breakfast the explorers continued on the dromedaries. They were -to reach another stretch of sand dunes late that afternoon, Tishmak -told them. - -"Sand hills will seem good after these endless miles in the Tudemait -Plateau," remarked Joe. "But there won't be any shade, and there is a -little here from the rocks." - -"Wait till we get to the Ahaggars, if you want shade," smiled Mr. -Lewis. "Some of that region resembles the mountainous part of Arizona. -There are deep ravines, narrow valleys, high peaks, unknown caves, and -many other remarkable phenomena of nature." - -"That is where our journey comes to an end, isn't it?" asked Bob. - -"Yes. In the southern part of the Ahaggar range. Thus far, Fekmah -hasn't had much need of the map, because he has directed us more by -compass. But when we see the mountains, it will be necessary for him -to consult it frequently. Whether or not it will prove accurate, made -from memory as it was, we have yet to see." - -The way now led through a dry river valley, which wound through the -many black rocks. Some of the rugged hills near by towered to two and -three thousand feet, their perpendicular sides gray or deep black. - -There was sparse vegetation, but a few gum trees were scattered about -over the hard soil. - -Tishmak had informed them that they would come to a well some time -that afternoon. The water, he said, would be very cool, for it came -from far underground. - -"I'd like to see that Land of Thirst you were talking about," remarked -Joe to Fekmah, as the Arab mentioned the well of cool water that lay -ahead of them. "It must be an interesting region." - -Fekmah shook his head. - -"Caravans avoid it much as can," he said grimly. "Too much danger of -falling dead. Then, too, it is supposed to be inhabited by evil -spirits." - -"Evil spirits?" - -"Yes. Superstitious natives near there never see parts of it. I much -glad we not have to go through it, because we sure to get very much -thirsty." - -Shortly after the explorers had passed around a large hill they heard -camel steps from behind a sharp corner in the river bed. - -"Quick!" directed Dr. Kirshner. "Let's hide in back of these rocks. It -may be more bandits." - -The adventurers drove their dromedaries out of sight and then -followed, looking about cautiously. - -The sound of footsteps grew louder, and soon a small caravan of -natives came into view, looking very strange indeed with their faces -tightly covered with black veils. - -"Tuaregs!" exclaimed Dr. Kirshner, who had made a study of the peoples -in the Sahara. "Tuaregs at last!" - -He rode out from behind the place of hiding and shouted a friendly -greeting in their own language. The people at once called back and -moved on up to the archæologist. - -"Guess we might as well go out," smiled Mr. Holton, urging his camel -to move forward. - -Soon the others joined Dr. Kirshner, who seemed to be having no -trouble in understanding the people. - -"They live in the Ahaggars," explained the archæologist, after a few -minutes of conversing with them. "They're on their way north to In -Salah. That's a town of considerable importance." - -The natives did not stop long, and the American expedition was also -anxious to be going. - -"I didn't know Tuaregs were found this far north," said Mr. Lewis, as -the people disappeared from view. "Their home is in the lower -Ahaggars, and they seldom ever, if what I've heard is true, wander far -away." - -The explorers stopped before noon for the meal and rest. Then, at two -o'clock, they continued on their way, anxious to leave the plateau -behind. - -Suddenly, as they gradually ascended a long grade, an agile form -darted out to one side of Bob's dromedary, its red coat showing -brightly in the sunlight. - -"A fox!" Bob exclaimed and raised his rifle to his shoulder. - -Glancing along the sights, he pulled the trigger. There was a howl of -pain as the bullet struck the animal broadside. Another howl; then -silence. - -"You got him!" cried Joe, delighted. - -"A big specimen, too," declared Mr. Lewis, getting out his knife. - -The animal was carefully but rapidly skinned and the hide placed in -the solution of preservative. - -"Already we have a large number of specimens," said Mr. Holton, as -they left the skinned body behind. "And we hope to see a good many -other animals and birds as we pass on." - -Late that afternoon the adventurers came to the well that Tishmak had -told about, and found the water very cool. It reached the surface in a -shady spot among the many high rocks. - -All drank with a thirst that came from long traveling in a dry, hot -region. Bob and Joe especially welcomed it, the latter declaring it -better than flavored beverages. - -"That's right," agreed Mr. Holton. "One can drink many things, but -water is, after all, the old stand-by." - -When the containers were filled, the explorers rested in the shade of -the rocks. There was something about that spot that made them hesitate -to leave it behind. Perhaps it was the cool water, or it might have -been the wall-like formations of stone all about. - -Finally Tishmak got up and mounted his dromedary, motioning for the -others to follow suit. - -All the remainder of that afternoon they trudged on over the Tudemait -Plateau. Slightly to their surprise, they had not yet reached the -region of sand that lay at the south of the plateau. Fekmah especially -was very restless, saying that he could not understand why the rocky -region had not been left behind shortly after the midday rest. - -"It supposed to be only about a hundred and seventy kilometers [about -one hundred miles] across, and we have traveled at least that far," he -said, very much perplexed. - -"Perhaps we have followed the arc of a circle," suggested Mr. Lewis. -"Suppose you ask Tishmak." - -The guide was also in the dark, not being able to give an explanation. - -"Well," said Bob, "it might be well to keep going awhile longer. We'll -surely come to the sandy region before long." - -The others thought this good advice, but late that evening they were -still on the plateau. - -They retired that night with high hopes that the morning would bring -good fortune. During the last few hours they had had an uneasy feeling -that their efforts to find the region of sand were in vain. - -The next day they were off early, after a hurried breakfast. - -"We'll get out of these rocks some time this morning," predicted Mr. -Lewis with a smile. - -And he was right. Gradually the boulders they passed grew smaller and -the soil more loose. By the time they had stopped for the noon meal -they were again among sand dunes. - -The heat was now terrific. If it had been warm before, it was -scorching now. Everywhere they went they were under the blaze of the -fierce sun. How the camels managed to keep from burning their feet was -a mystery to the youths. - -Their throats were parched, their tongues numb. Water, water! If they -could only drink and drink and drink! But only small amounts were -allowed to be taken, for this region was many, many miles across, and -there was no well or oasis anywhere near their path of traveling. - -"If we have much more of this I'm afraid I'll fall off my camel," said -Bob with a grim smile. - -"Not quite that bad off, are you?" laughed Dr. Kirshner. "Dying of -thirst is a rare occurrence in this part of the Sahara. But it does -happen sometimes, and it is a tragic death indeed." - -"Worst thing is," explained Mr. Holton, "there is a time when the -victim of thirst would die should he touch water. In that case, water -is virtually a poison." - -The sand hills that they were passing over were much lower than those -in the country below Wargla. The desert stretched away to the horizon -in endless waves, which, as far as the travelers could see, were -unbroken. - -Vegetation was scarce, only a scattering of yellow plants dotting the -dunes. This promised to be a disadvantage to the dromedaries, for -previously they had occasionally nibbled on the trees and shrubs that -were clustered about. - -"Look at the sky," said Joe, turning his gaze upward. - -"Funny color, isn't it?" Bob returned. Then, as he peered into the -distance, he uttered an exclamation of surprise and fear. - -But the others had seen also and were equally as excited. - -Away to their right a heavy mist had risen and was rapidly turning -reddish. - -"A sandstorm!" cried Fekmah in great anxiety. "A sandstorm is -coming!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -Moments of Horror - - -The explorers, particularly Tishmak, knew the danger of a sandstorm. -It was not infrequent for large caravans to be completely engulfed by -the heavy veil of sand, leaving only the dead bodies of the camels and -their riders. The Americans remembered a tale that Fekmah had told -them about a trading caravan of five hundred dromedaries coming to a -tragic end in this region. Would their little caravan also perish? - -"Get your goggles," commanded Fekmah, his tone indicating that he was -calm even in the face of danger. - -"And be sure they fit tightly!" warned Dr. Kirshner. "Even then we'll -get some of the sand." - -The atmosphere was rapidly becoming extremely dry and hot, and at -intervals a fierce wind brought minute particles of sand into the -explorers' faces. - -"Now," began Fekmah, after conversing briefly with the guide, "we must -get dromedaries in group, so they not get fright and run away. Then -we crouch down behind them." - -The camels were drawn up together and fastened in a circle with ropes. - -"It might be wise to put up our tent, mightn't it?" asked Mr. Lewis, -but Fekmah shook his head vigorously. - -"No, no," he said. "Then we get in trap and not get out. If sand very -heavy, we want to be in open." - -The dense mist was thickening and spreading, until it soon covered the -whole horizon. The sky in the distance was not visible for the heavy -cloud of fine particles. - -The explorers got out blankets and wrapped themselves tightly. Even -then, said Fekmah, the small bits of soil would get through to their -skins. - -They had scarcely finished preparations when the first breaker -suddenly came with all force, striking the adventurers in the face and -penetrating the blanket. - -It was blinding, smothering, but they managed to get air and fought -with a determination that was born of adventure. Crouching behind the -sturdy dromedaries, they held their heads low to avoid as much of the -fury of the storm as possible. - -It was with great difficulty that the camels kept their positions -together, but they succeeded admirably. - -"Doesn't seem right for them to have to stop the sand for us," said -Joe, shouting in order to make himself heard. - -"It's a shame," Bob shouted back. "But they can probably stand it -better than we can." - -Slowly they found themselves enveloped in a heavy opaque atmosphere, -so dense as to seem almost as a wall. The thought of being completely -covered up was constantly in their minds, bringing about almost a -feeling of despair. - -The burning wind was constantly lashing them in the face, until it -seemed that they could stand it no longer. Indeed, if their heavy -goggles had not been of unbreakable glass, the furious particles of -sand would have smashed them in the explorers' eyes. Even as it was, -some of the sand found its way in. - -"This is terrible!" moaned Joe. "Awful--simply----" - -He stopped suddenly, as his mouth became filled with sand. Another -gust of wind had come, bringing with it an enormous quantity of the -burning sand. - -The explorers' eyes were smarting, their lips were cracked and -bleeding. They felt that they would smother. Nothing could have been -worse, it seemed. - -They could hear the dromedaries snorting with fear and irritation. -What if the brutes could not stand? - -Conversation was now impossible, for they dared not open their mouths -for fear of swallowing some of the stinging sand. Even when they -breathed, the fine particles filtered through the net that hung over -their faces. - -The sky above was of a bright red color, and a weird light trickled -through the fog of yellow. It was the most unusual happening that the -Americans had ever witnessed. - -"If it just wasn't for this terrible wind!" muttered Mr. Holton, when -there had come a slight lull. - -"Yes," agreed Fekmah. "Then it not be so hard to stand it." - -He had scarcely finished when another gust of hot sand struck them -cruelly, making their faces sting anew. - -Suddenly Tishmak noticed that they were nearly engulfed in a heavy -pile of sand. With a quick motion he drew himself out and drove the -dromedaries to another spot. - -For a brief moment the explorers were exposed to the full violence of -the storm. Then they again took places behind the newly located -camels. - -"Not taking any chances on being covered up, are you?" said Dr. -Kirshner to Tishmak. - -The latter did not understand the words, but he caught the meaning and -smiled. - -How long the terrific onslaught of sand lasted, no one knew. They had -lost all sense of time, and the heavy atmosphere completely hid the -sun. - -It was only gradually that the terrible storm subsided, and then the -air was exceedingly hot and dry, promising to remain that way for some -time. Slowly the cloud of sand about them grew thin, until it finally -cleared away completely. Now only an occasional hot wind annoyed them, -but it was scarcely anything compared to the previous bombardment of -sand. - -"No more of anything like that for me!" muttered Bob, as he worked his -feet loose from the high pile that strove to bury him alive. - -The dromedaries, too, had their legs embedded in the sand so deeply -that it required several minutes of constant digging to relieve them. - -"Suppose we rest awhile before going on," suggested Bob. "It has been -a great strain for all of us, standing against that terrible rush of -sand." - -The others readily agreed, and all thoughts of continuing the journey -at once were dismissed from mind. - -"At least," Joe said, "we got out alive, and that's more than you can -say of many caravans." - -"Yes," returned his father. "Perhaps under this very spot are the -bones of men and camels that were not as lucky as we were." - -"That storm rather short lasting," remarked Fekmah, glancing at his -watch. "Many times storm last several hours." - -Joe sighed. - -"I'd hate to have had to stand much more of it," he said. - -It was nearly noon, and the tent was pitched for the midday rest. All -were very weary after the terrific strain. - -"Let's have our lunch," suggested Mr. Lewis. "I'm very hungry, and I'm -sure everyone else is." - -The noon meal and rest followed, the explorers not continuing until -after three o'clock. - -Late that afternoon they came to one of the largest uninhabited oases -that they had yet seen. It was situated snugly on a narrow stretch -between high dunes. - -"It's a wonder a small town hasn't sprung up around here," remarked -Bob, drinking greedily of the refreshing water that gushed from the -large spring. - -Dr. Kirshner nodded. - -"With all these palm trees and the abundance of water it is -surprising," he said. "But I suppose there are so few people, even -among the natives, who would live here that it wouldn't pay." - -The containers were hurriedly filled. - -"It might be well to stay here for the night," said Fekmah. "It is -getting late, and we all need sleep very bad." - -He turned to Tishmak and put the question before him in the native -language. - -The guide at once gave his approval, more than glad of the chance to -stop. - -"He say he wanted to stay here for night, but thought we in big -hurry," Fekmah told the Americans. - -"We are," returned Mr. Holton. "But here is a very good place to camp, -and I think we'd better take advantage of the opportunity." - -The tent and provisions were unpacked from the camels, which seemed -more than glad of the chance to relax. - -"Funny," remarked Mr. Lewis, "that camels don't care to lie in the -shade when there is an opportunity. You would think the terrible sun -would be avoided as much as possible, but that is not the case." - -"Either they like the heat or they are too lazy to move," said Joe. - -For some time the two youths sat with their elders. Then Bob got up -and stretched. - -"Suppose you and I get on our dromedaries and ride over to that -distant hill," he said to Joe, pointing away to the horizon. "I'd like -to see what's beyond there. This seems to be very high ground, and we -might get a view of the distant mountains from the top of that dune." - -"Be sure and take your rifles, boys," warned Mr. Lewis. "And don't -stay too long." - -The boys slung their guns over their shoulders and rode off, waving to -their friends. - -The hill that Bob referred to was at least a mile away, and the ground -on the way was of loose sand. The boys urged their mounts to trot -faster, however, and they would probably cover the distance in a very -short time. - -"I wonder if we could get a glimpse of the Ahaggar Mountains?" said -Joe. - -"Might. But you must remember that we are still a great distance -away." - -As the boys had expected, they came to the hill in but a few minutes. -It was very high and steep, but the soil was hard. The dromedaries had -no difficulty in climbing steadily up. - -At last they came to the top and gazed out into the distance. - -"Look!" cried Joe. "The mountains! We can see them!" - -Sure enough, the Ahaggar range was visible, stretching miles and miles -to either side. A few sharp peaks protruded high above the others, but -for the most part the line of mountains was rather regular. - -"Suppose that high peak is Illiman?" asked Joe, pointing to a high -crag that towered above the other mountains. - -"You mean the one Fekmah was talking about? It might be. He would know -if he saw it, I suppose. And of course Tishmak would." - -The youths spent nearly a half-hour peering out at the mountains, -greatly impressed by the wonderful view. - -"How far away do you suppose they are?" questioned Joe. - -"Fifty miles, at least; maybe more. It will probably take us another -half-day to get to them." - -Finally the youths turned and rode back down the hill to tell their -elders of the magnificent view. Fekmah particularly would be pleased, -Joe thought. - -But the boys were not overly anxious to get back to the oasis at once. -There were many other high sand dunes that they would like to ride -over. - -"We won't stay much longer," said Bob. "Just ride around a bit." - -To their right was another high hill that might afford a view in -another direction. The youths rode over to it and climbed the gradual -side. - -Then, when they came to the top, they cried out in surprise and fear. - -In the distance appeared to be a whole regiment of galloping horsemen -coming toward them! - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -Savage Tribesmen - - -For a moment the youths were taken completely aback in surprise. That -they would see anything like this away out on the Sahara was not in -the least expected. They stood for some time in sheer amazement and -not a little fear. - -"An army coming at us!" muttered Bob, staring at the distant -spectacle. - -"An army, yes. Must be five hundred cavalrymen." - -"But--but it can't be! It's impossible. What would soldiers be doing -away out here on the desert? Something's seriously wrong somewhere. If -just one of us should see such a thing it might indicate that the old -brain wasn't working just right, but for you and I both----" - -"Come on," suggested Joe, giving his dromedary a slight kick. "Let's -get out of here. I'm greatly worried." - -The youths turned their camels back to camp for a short distance; then -they urged them on to a fast trot. - -They were not a little relieved when they finally reached the oasis, -where they found their friends awaiting them. - -"Where have you been so long?" inquired Mr. Lewis, his face not a -little serious. - -"We thought maybe something held you back," added Dr. Kirshner. - -"It did," replied Bob, trying to remain calm. - -The men sat up quickly, sensing that some misfortune had come upon the -boys. - -"What was it?" demanded Mr. Holton tensely. - -"An army," Joe returned soberly. - -For a second there was silence. Then the men broke out in laughter. -Evidently they thought the youths were joking. Even Fekmah joined in, -his dark features drawn together in mirth. - -"Nothing to laugh at," said Joe, vexed because the men thought their -experience funny. "It nearly scared Bob and me out of our wits." - -Mr. Holton grew more serious. - -"Come, now," he said. "Tell us what you mean." - -Joe told of seeing the phenomenon from the top of the hill, saying -that there appeared to be at least five hundred horsemen coming toward -them. - -When he had finished, the naturalists and Dr. Kirshner jumped up in -wonder and not a little fear, but Fekmah only laughed. - -"W-what's humorous!" demanded Mr. Lewis, greatly perplexed. - -"Everything," said Fekmah, laughing still harder. "What the young men -saw was only an illusion or mirage. There no army on Sahara. Only look -like army." - -"You mean it was a trick of nature, like the more common mirages of -lakes on the desert?" asked Dr. Kirshner with great interest. - -"Yes," the Arab answered. "Caused by the bending of the rays of light -when they strike the hot sand." - -"Well, that's a new one on me!" confessed Bob. "I was aware of the -fact that mirages of lakes are common, but that I should see an -army----" - -It was now rapidly becoming dark. The explorers thought it best to -sleep all through the night and not wait for the moon, for they -greatly needed the rest. - -"Tomorrow morning I'd like to see that mirage that you boys thought -was an army," said Mr. Holton, when they prepared to retire. - -"And I, too," put in Dr. Kirshner. "As it isn't out of our way, we can -all ride over there." - -"It'll be a good chance to take some motion pictures," said Bob. "A -scene as unusual as that is sure to attract the curiosity of an -audience." - -Tishmak informed them that they would be out of this short sand -stretch early the next morning. Then they would come into the Ahaggar -Mountains, the real home of the mysterious Tuaregs. - -"And I expect to begin my work in this region," announced Dr. -Kirshner. "Perhaps if I put legend and history together, I can locate -something that will prove of great value to the world of archæology. I -have in mind at present the tomb of a great king who reigned in those -mountains many thousands of years ago. He is said to be an ancestor of -the Berbers, who are related to the Tuaregs. When we come to the many -Tuareg villages, I intend to make inquiries as to their ancient -legends." - -They were up early the next morning, anticipating the exploration of -the mountains that lay ahead of them. - -But in order to get to the Ahaggars, it would be necessary to continue -for a short distance over the sand dunes. - -After breakfast they rode over to the distant hill to get a view of -the mirage seen by the boys the day before. Sure enough, the army of -horsemen appeared to be riding toward them, and the details were -rather plain. - -Mr. Lewis shook his head in bewilderment. - -"Sure is strange," he muttered. "Why should the horses and the riders -be so clearly defined? I can easily understand the mirage of a lake, -but this sure gets my goat." - -They stood for some time staring at the distant spectacle, Bob and Joe -taking motion pictures. Finally they rode on up the hill to catch a -glimpse of the Ahaggars. - -"I rather think that peak not Illiman but Oudane," said Fekmah to the -youths, in answer to their question asking the name of the distant -high mountain. "Mount Oudane very high, and much nearer than Mount -Illiman." - -More movies were taken by the youths. Then they rode down the opposite -side of the dune in the direction of the mountains. - -"Ahaggars very strange," said Fekmah to the Americans, as they rode in -a group at the back of their pack camels. "There are high cliffs, tall -needle-like peaks, deep caves. There are canyons, ravines, underground -passageways. We see much, and we too be in great danger." - -"Danger?" Joe looked up in some surprise. - -"Yes. Very great danger. Wild Tuaregs roam about, and when on a raid, -think only of robbing travelers. Then, too, we be in region where the -two thieves who stole my map are. They perhaps be waiting for us and -shoot us quick without giving warning. Many other dangers we might -see." - -Fekmah sobered the Americans a little. They had not anticipated any -great peril, although they knew the two thieves might, should they -have arrived at the hidden riches first, give them trouble. - -"But we'll come out all right," predicted Bob, again becoming -cheerful. "We'll show those fellows that we're capable of attending -to any crisis." - -A little farther on they reached the wall of rock that had previously -shut out the view of the mountains. It stretched many miles to their -right and left, but there were numerous breaks that afforded openings -into the country beyond. - -They had barely reached the other side of the wall-like formation when -Joe caught sight of a group of tents quite a distance to the east. He -motioned for his friends to look in that direction. - -"Probably Arabs," pronounced Fekmah, after Tishmak had chattered -rapidly for a moment. "They nomads, who wander about the desert taking -their flock of goats with them." - -"Suppose we go over and see them," suggested Mr. Holton. "Perhaps they -can give us a description of the country ahead of us. There may be -many more wells than we think, and it will do us no harm to know of -them." - -The others were in favor of carrying out Mr. Holton's move. But Fekmah -warned them to be on the lookout for treachery. - -"They probably not do us harm, but can never tell," he said, as the -dromedaries were turned in the direction of the tents. - -They reached the encampment in a very short time and were about to -look up some of the Arabs when a savage growl made them wheel around -in surprise and fear. - -"Look!" cried Joe, laying his hand on his rifle. - -Two large, savage dogs were making toward them with all fury, showing -their terrible teeth in anger. The enraged creatures were probably -owned by the Arabs in the tents and were acting as guards against all -marauders. - -The foremost dog was almost upon Mr. Lewis's camel. In another moment -the beast would sink its teeth in the dromedary's throat. - -Displaying the quickness of a cat, the naturalist unslung his rifle, -took hasty aim, and fired. - -The report of the gun was followed by a longdrawn howl from the huge -dog. - -"Quick!" cried Bob. "The other dog!" - -The second beast was rushing forward angrily. - -Mr. Lewis again took aim. The others, trusting in his marksmanship, -made no move to get their rifles. - -Click! There was no report this time. His magazine was empty! - -Mr. Holton tried vainly to get his rifle out in time. Something must -be done at once, for the savage dog would be at the camels in but a -moment. - -Suddenly Joe leaped from his camel directly in the path of the -oncoming animal. The dog stopped for a second, then rushed at the -youth with terrible ferocity. - -"It's now or never!" Joe thought and brought the butt of his rifle -down with all his strength on the dog's head. - -There was a cry of pain, and the next moment the beast rolled over in -a dazed condition. At last the terrible enemies had been overcome. - -"Great work, Joe!" praised Mr. Holton. "We weren't expecting to see -you act so quickly." - -"I didn't know whether I could hit him at the right time or not," the -youth said, wiping the perspiration from his brow. "But I thought I'd -take a chance. It----" - -He stopped fearfully as a rifle shot rang out. Another report followed -the first, and Tishmak fell from his dromedary. - -"Back!" cried Dr. Kirshner. "It's the Arabs shooting from the tents. -Hurry or we'll all be hit!" - -Tishmak was rapidly picked up and placed on his camel, and then the -explorers retreated behind a formation of rock near the high wall of -stone that was to their right. - -"You look after Tishmak," said Mr. Holton to Dr. Kirshner. "Meanwhile -we'll keep these Arabs away. We certainly aroused their tempers when -we put those dogs out." - -A volley of shots came from the Arabs' tents, and the Americans at -once answered with their own rifles. Wherever a shot was heard, Mr. -Holton directed his friends to fire at the spot. - -Suddenly Mr. Lewis caught a glimpse of a large one-armed Arab who -emerged into full view to send a bullet at his white enemies. Without -hesitation the naturalist fired, bringing the man down with a thud. - -"Look!" cried Bob. "They're backing up. That fellow you shot must have -been the leader." - -"Does seem that way," agreed Mr. Lewis. "But we must remain on guard. -These are treacherous characters." - -Only an occasional shot rang out. Then finally there was silence. - -"Now we'll see how Tishmak is," said Mr. Holton, leaving his position -at the end of the rocky crag. - -They found that Dr. Kirshner had bound and treated the wound, which -was in the left arm. The Arab seemed in high spirits, despite the fact -that he was evidently in pain. - -"It doesn't appear serious," said the archæologist. "With the right -kind of attention it will probably be all right in a few days." - -"Lucky that he wasn't killed, or that more of us weren't hit," -remarked Mr. Lewis gravely. "The Sahara is a dangerous place for -explorers." - -They waited several minutes for any more rifle shots from the Arabs, -but none came. Finally Mr. Holton mounted his dromedary. - -"Let's get on our way," he suggested. "I don't think there's any -danger now. The Arabs have retreated to a distance beyond their -tents, and I believe they'll stay there awhile." - -Tishmak was helped on his camel. Then, when the others had also -mounted, they rode off. - -They were now rapidly leaving the region of low sand dunes behind. -Rocks of all sizes and shapes became more numerous, and vegetation was -more abundant. There were, however, stretches of coarse sand plains, -which were now and then dotted with boulders. - -Suddenly, as they ascended a long low hill, Bob and Joe cried out in -delight and pointed to something a half-mile or so away. - -"A lake!" exclaimed Joe happily. "A lake of water!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -Searching for the Ancient - - -"Not a lake," said Fekmah, shaking his head. "Only another mirage. -They are rather common all through this region, and we may see much -more short time." - -"Well, if there was a real lake there beside that mirage, I wouldn't -know which to pick," confessed Joe. "And look! Even waves are there. -And foam caps!" - -"Wonderful facsimile, all right," remarked Dr. Kirshner. "Old Nature -is capable of playing mighty big jokes on us sometimes." - -For over a half-hour the illusion was visible to the explorers; then, -when they rounded a large pile of rocks, it could no longer be seen. - -"And I'm glad," said Bob. "Now maybe I can get my mind away from -thinking only of water. It wasn't very pleasant to see what looked -like it and not be able to have it." - -"When do we come to another oasis?" inquired Joe of Fekmah. - -"Tishmak say within next fifty miles," was the response. "It be very -small, but there be much water to drink." - -Late that evening they came to the foothills of the Ahaggars. Majestic -Mount Oudane was directly before them, and the whole Ahaggar range -appeared to be only a few miles away in the clear desert air. - -They at last reached the small oasis among the many red boulders. -After filling their containers, they continued toward the mountains, -greatly refreshed and ready for action. But darkness was rapidly -falling, and it would be necessary to stop before long for the night. - -Tishmak, however, thought it best to travel in the moonlight. The -others were more than willing to do this, for now that they were so -near their goal they hesitated to lose any precious time. - -"We can go on for a while," said Mr. Lewis, as daylight rapidly faded. -"Then we'll turn in and get a few hours of sleep." - -Soon it became dark, making it necessary to stop. But before long the -moon came out in full splendor, flooding the rocky vastness with -enchanting light. The distant needle-like peaks took on a strange -appearance, like mysterious towers of a fairyland. - -The scene was unusual and slightly weird, resembling the rough surface -of the moon. For some time the Americans were silent, absorbed in -thought. Finally Bob roused himself. - -"Those mountains seem rather intangible, or ghost-like," he remarked, -as he and Joe rode at the rear of the caravan. - -Joe nodded. - -"It's like we're the characters of an Arabian Nights story," he -muttered. "No vegetation, no life of any kind around anywhere. Gets -under my skin a little." - -Through the early part of the night they rode ever on, on toward the -mysterious Ahaggars. One question stood out in the minds of all. What -did the future hold in store? - -Finally Tishmak brought his dromedary to a halt beside a huge boulder. -He motioned for the others to follow suit. - -"We'll stop here for the night," announced Fekmah, after conversing -with the guide. "But we must be up very early in morning and get on -way to mountains." - -That night everyone slept soundly, anxious to refresh themselves -thoroughly for the tiresome march through the Ahaggars. - -"Let's go," urged Joe, as he dressed the next morning at dawn. "We -can't get to those hidden riches any too soon for me." - -Mr. Holton laughed unwillingly. - -"Who ever heard of fast traveling in the mountains?" he asked. "If we -make ten or fifteen miles in a day we'll be lucky." - -"There are stretches of smooth country, though," Dr. Kirshner put in. -"And when we get to the central plateau of the Ahaggars, it won't be -so hard to cover territory." - -A breakfast of limited food but a bountiful supply of water was -prepared by Mr. Lewis, and then camp was broken. - -In the early-morning light the peaks ahead looked pale purple, but, -said Fekmah, this color would gradually change to mauve and blue as -the sunlight became more radiant. - -As they rounded a tall, red boulder, Tishmak suddenly halted his camel -and pointed to a little crevice between the rocks. - -"Well, as I live!" murmured the archæologist in surprise. -"Camels--dead, mummified camels." - -The beasts had evidently been dead a long time, for their skins were -extremely dry and cracked. The fierce desert sun had preserved their -bodies for an indefinite period. - -"And look, they've got their mouths down to the ground, as if they -were searching for water," observed Joe. - -"They were," affirmed Fekmah. "There once a well here, but it dried up -just before camels got to it." - -"Perhaps they wandered for days searching for it, and then finally -found it--dry." Bob shuddered. - -It was a pitiable sight, particularly to the Americans. They half -expected to come across the mummified body of some unfortunate -explorer who had died a tragic death from thirst. - -"We must be doubly careful to have the containers filled with water," -warned Mr. Holton. "This is a dangerous region, and disaster could -easily come upon our little expedition." - -They trudged on in the rapidly rising temperature of the terrible sun, -keeping their eyes off the ground as much as possible to escape the -glare. They could easily have worn sun glasses, but hesitated to do so -because of the rather obstructed vision. - -"What's this!" cried Dr. Kirshner, as they came to a huge rock that -was directly in their path. - -"Some kind of an inscription, isn't it?" inquired Bob. - -"It is that!" came the excited reply. "An ancient Libyan record, -perhaps of a noteworthy event that took place in this vicinity. If you -will give me a few minutes I'll copy this down. It may prove of great -interest in my future study of early Sahara peoples." - -The others waited for the archæologist to transcribe the writing. It -proved very difficult to read offhand, but that a full translation -would eventually come to light was not in the least doubted by the -other Americans. In fact they had come to regard Dr. Kirshner as a -wonder among men of his profession. - -At last he put the paper back in its place and made a sign to Tishmak -that he was ready to continue the journey. - -"Now let's make time," said Bob anxiously. "We ought to get over a -good many more miles before time for the noon rest." - -And they did. The country had not yet become rough enough to hinder -the progress of the dromedaries, even though huge boulders were strewn -about. By ten o'clock they had reached the base of the Plateau of the -Mouydir, a thousand-foot-high wall of solid stone. - -"Tuaregs have many superstitious legends about this rock," said -Fekmah, after talking several minutes with Tishmak. "They believe evil -spirits up in great caves come down and kill travelers. They too think -sandstorms and whirlwinds are caused by spirits hiding up in large -cracks there." - -"How interesting," said Dr. Kirshner, getting out his small portable -typewriter. - -Bob and Joe had taken motion pictures along the journey, and now they -saw another opportunity to film a scenic wonder. - -"I'd like for you to do a little acting," said Bob to Fekmah, as the -youth turned his camera in the direction of the mammoth wall of rock. - -The Arab looked up in some surprise. - -"I want you to point to the Plateau of Mouydir and talk to Dr. -Kirshner," the young man explained. "Tell him about the legend of the -Tuaregs. Meanwhile I'll be photographing you. Too bad this can't be a -talking picture. All right. Let's go." - -Fekmah understood and smiled. Dr. Kirshner was also willing to assist -the young photographers in their work. - -The Arab and the American engaged in conversation, while Bob took -movies of them pointing to the high rock. When it was finished, Bob -and Joe smiled in satisfaction. - -"That's the kind of scenes we ought to have more of," Joe said. -"They're different from the usual monotony of 'shooting' the country -alone." - -"Gives a sort of individuality, huh?" laughed Mr. Holton. "Well, any -time we can be of use to you, let us know." - -Camp was made at the very base of the huge rock. Then the usual meal -was prepared. - -"Use water sparingly," cautioned Mr. Lewis, as they sat down on the -cool sand in the shade of the tent. "Tishmak says we will not come to -another well till tomorrow afternoon." - -"That's a long time to wait," said Dr. Kirshner gravely. "Can we make -what we have hold out?" - -"We've got to," Joe's father returned. "We'll have to restrain from -taking any undue exercise in the heat of the sun." - -"Hum-m!" Dr. Kirshner looked disappointed. "That seems to want to -spoil my plans for this afternoon." - -"How's that?" - -"I had intended to do a little exploring up on top of that wall of -stone." - -There were exclamations of surprise and anxiety. - -"What!" cried Mr. Lewis. "Why, you couldn't scale that steep cliff -with ladders and ropes!" - -"Maybe not in some places," the archæologist smiled. "But I have -noticed that there are large fissures that would offer footholds with -comparative ease, and I'm going to chance it. There's no telling what -I may bring to light from up on that lofty rock." - -There was a period of silence, finally broken by Bob. - -"May Joe and I go with you?" he asked. - -There were loud protests from the youths' fathers, who thought it -almost madness to attempt to climb the steep slope. But Dr. Kirshner -held up a hand for silence. - -"Wait till we finish this meal and I'll show you a place where it -will be more or less easy to get to the top," he said. - -"If it's there, I'd like to see it," came from Mr. Holton. - -When the noon meal was over, the archæologist led them to a point -perhaps a quarter of a mile from the camp. He pointed up and smiled. - -"Doesn't that look like an easy climb?" he asked. "Plenty of safe -footholds and cracks to grasp. I'm going up." - -Bob and Joe put in a request to their fathers to accompany the -scientist and were finally given permission. - -"But be careful," warned Mr. Lewis. "And don't wander too far away." - -Dr. Kirshner led the way up the side of the cliff, followed by Joe and -Bob. The climb was in some places difficult and a little dangerous, -but they plodded surely up. - -At last, panting and perspiring, they came to the last foothold and -pulled themselves up to the top. Then they turned to take in the view -below. - -Cries of astonishment came from all at the wonderful panorama that -stretched out before them. Hundreds of feet down and to their right -was the camp, and a short distance away were Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis. -The dromedaries were tethered beside a large rock near the cliff. - -"I suppose Fekmah and Tishmak are in the tent," remarked the -scientist, scanning the landscape. - -With the aid of his powerful binoculars the camp was made to appear -quite near, and the features of the naturalists were easily made out. - -At last Dr. Kirshner turned about. - -"A fine view," he said. "But let us not spend too much time here. I -want to explore the roof of this cliff." - -The rocky surface was in most places flat, but there were a few huge -fissures that apparently extended far into the rock. - -They had come to one unusually deep crack when Dr. Kirshner stopped -and slid down the steep side, desirous of seeing the unusual. - -He reached the bottom some fifteen feet below, sending a score of -small rocks down the side of the crevice. - -"What's there?" Joe called down, bending over the side. - -"Nothing, I guess. There is---- Wait a minute!" - -The next moment he was all excitement, having evidently come across -something on the side of the rock. - -"Drawings!" he cried animatedly, pointing to the wall about him. -"Prehistoric drawings of--of elephants!" - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -The Horror of Thirst - - -"Elephants?" asked Bob, almost bursting out in laughter. - -"Come on," suggested Joe, moving slowly down the side of the fissure. -"Let's have a look at the strange drawings." - -The youths slid to the bottom, where Dr. Kirshner stood staring at the -wall. - -Bob nodded. - -"Drawings of elephants, all right," he said, his eyes on the etched -rock. "And look how plain they are." - -The archæologist took out his notebook and copied the sketches as best -he could. Then he turned to the youths. - -"Here is proof that the desert was not always a desert," he said, his -eyes becoming bright with interest. "Thousands of years ago this -region was green with tropical vegetation, like the dense forests of -East Africa. It was probably inhabited by tribes of people much -different from the Arabs and Tuaregs who now live here. Then came a -gradual dry spell, and in time the luxurious growth gave way to a hot -desert of sand and rocks." - -"Those drawings of elephants, then, were made while this region was -covered with forests?" questioned Joe, becoming as interested as the -scientist. - -The latter nodded. - -"Elephants and other wild game probably roamed about here in great -numbers," he explained. - -After one last look at the strange sketches, the explorers began the -task of climbing up the side of the ravine. It was not easy to pull -themselves up out of the steep crevice, but the rocky walls were -solid, not even threatening to give way. - -Then followed an hour of exploration about the top of the cliff, -during which time the archæologist came upon the remains of many other -ancient drawings and inscriptions. By the time that they were ready to -begin the descent of the cliff, he had filled his notebook. - -"But when we get to the Ahaggars we'll undoubtedly find many more," he -said, slowly leading the way down. - -After what seemed a long time, they came to the bottom of the -precipice and lost no time in getting back to camp. - -"Have any luck?" asked Mr. Holton, looking up with interest as the -three explorers moved toward the tent. - -"Did we!" laughed Joe and proceeded to tell of the many drawings and -inscriptions. - -"You boys should have taken the motion-picture cameras with you," Mr. -Lewis said. "They would have furnished proof to the outside world." - -"Perhaps we can yet," said Joe. - -"No, you can't," protested Mr. Holton. "We must not waste any time -here, if we are to find the hidden riches. Right now," he added, "you -three had better turn in and take your afternoon rest. That sun is -terrible!" - -Dr. Kirshner and the youths did as suggested, glad to rest their tired -limbs. But they were up promptly at three, packing the tent and -provisions on the dromedaries. - -Now, as they continued farther toward the barren mountains, they began -to realize what thirst really meant. As Tishmak had told them, no well -would be reached until late the next afternoon, and their water -containers were none too full. Their throats were parched, and their -tongues began to feel numb. The fierce sun seemed all the hotter, -greatly stimulating thirst. - -All through that day they rode onward, the Ahaggars gradually becoming -nearer. It was late that night when they finally stopped and camped in -a wild region of large red rocks. - -The next day their thirst became almost overpowering, even though they -did not exercise. It seemed that they could stand it no longer, but -they rode continually on toward the well that was located at the foot -of the mountains. - -The noon meal was almost without water. They did, however, sip a small -amount of the precious fluid. - -"Oh, if we could only drink all we want!" groaned Joe, hesitating to -eat the beans that had been prepared. "Everything is so dry without -water." - -But although the explorers were extremely anxious to come to the well, -they gave full consideration to the midday rest. It would have meant -destruction to ride under that terrible desert sun. - -"Before long we'll come to the well," said Fekmah, as they prepared to -continue the journey. "In an hour it be seen." - -"And how glad we'll be," muttered Bob, anticipating the pleasure of -drinking a large quantity of the refreshing fluid. - -The hour passed slowly. They were looking about now, searching among -the many huge rocks. - -Suddenly Tishmak halted abruptly, and the expression of hope that had -been on his face changed to one of fear. He motioned for the others to -move on up to where he was. - -No translation of his excited words was necessary to the Americans. -They understood his anxiety. The well was dry! - -For a moment the explorers sank back, and fear--stark fear--seized -them. Thoughts of disaster haunted their stricken brains--stories of -how large trading caravans had been brought to a tragic end because of -no water. It was torture unthinkable! - -"And after all this waiting," groaned Bob, his hope almost gone. - -The others were equally touched. Now that they had met with defeat, -they felt at a loss to know how to carry on. - -As a last resort Tishmak had fallen into a convulsion of motions -asking Allah that they might be delivered from the jaws of death. His -enthusiasm grew more intense with every moment, becoming almost -disgusting to the others. Even Fekmah, although he was a devout -believer in Mohammedanism, thought the actions of his fellow -countryman detestable. - -"Come, now," urged Dr. Kirshner, using his knowledge of the native -language to console Tishmak. "We'll come out all right. This isn't the -only jam we've been in." - -The guide finally became his natural self, although still a bit -panicky. - -"You'd think after all the expeditions he's led into the Sahara he -would be calm in the face of danger," remarked Bob. - -"Danger, yes. But not in the face of tragedy!" thought Dr. Kirshner, -although he said nothing. He feared all too much that this might be -the end. - -"Where is the next well?" asked Mr. Lewis calmly. - -Fekmah put the question before the guide, who replied that there was -no water within a distance of fifty miles. And mountains lay directly -before them, hindering travel. It might mean a several days' journey -before they would come to the well, and then there was a possibility -that it, also, was dry. Disaster seemed almost inevitable! - -"But let's hurry on," said Mr. Holton. "Perhaps if we make time we can -get to it much sooner than we think." - -The camels were urged forward at a fast trot. But before long they -were entering the mountains, and the rapid pace was necessarily -slackened somewhat. - -During that desperate ride against time, the explorers hardly thought -of the scenic wonders that lay before them. Indeed if they had not -been in such anxiety, they would have seen much to interest them -greatly. - -Tall, needle-like peaks were all about, grotesque rocks dotted the -irregular plateau before them, deep gulches and ravines were -everywhere. It was a wonderful view, that beheld by the adventurers, -and could have been enjoyed to the fullest had they not been in such -terrible plight. - -Luckily there was a full moon that night, lighting the vast expanse -with a weird brightness. Countless stars shone down from the clear -sky, appearing so close that they could seemingly be touched. - -"Like we're in another world," breathed Bob, as he and his chum rode -rapidly at the rear of the pack camels. - -"Does seem strange, doesn't it? I wonder if we'll live to find the -hidden riches?" - -"Of course we will." Bob cheered his friend as best he could, and -himself felt much the better for it. - -Luck was with them that night. The plateau remained open and free from -peaks and rocky crags that would have delayed progress. It was, -however, very unlevel, and the dromedaries often found it necessary to -slow down to a difficult walk. - -It was very late when they finally halted and made camp under the -beautiful mountain sky. After a brief supper, at which almost the last -drop of water was used, they fell asleep, not to awaken until the sun -was well up in the sky the next morning. - -"You know," remarked Fekmah, "it seems strange that that well was dry. -I been thinking about it since we left it behind. Tishmak too thinks -it strange." - -"Why?" questioned Mr. Lewis, sensing that something was in the wind. - -"Because," Fekmah said gravely, "it a large well, and should not go -dry much easy. Tishmak think it been covered up." - -There were exclamations of surprise from the Americans. - -"You mean," began Mr. Holton, beginning to catch the point, "that -someone did it to keep us from continuing the journey?" - -"Yes. I think it might have been the two thieves who stole my map. -They did it to keep us away from hidden treasure." - -There were cries of astonishment from the others. For the past few -days the thought of the thieves had been absent from their minds. Now -they began to realize that at last they had probably come into the -region in which were the hidden riches. - -"Then the rascals must be around here some place," said Joe, looking -about sharply. "Perhaps they're right around here." - -Fekmah got out the map he had made from memory after the original one -had been stolen. He studied it closely for a few minutes. - -"Hidden treasure still great distance away," he said at last. "We not -find it till several days pass. I think the two thieves not here but -somewhere near treasure." - -"What's the next landmark?" inquired Mr. Lewis, as the camels were -made to move forward. - -"The gorge of Arak," Fekmah returned. "It quite a distance from here, -but Tishmak lead us to it quickly." - -All morning they trudged on without coming to the well that Tishmak -knew was somewhere in the first range of mountains. Although it seemed -impossible, their thirst rapidly increased still more. - -"Say," cried Bob, as a sudden thought struck him, "if those two -thieves could cover up the first mountain well, they might do the same -to others. Wouldn't it be possible?" - -"Not the next one," returned Fekmah. "It too large. Take many, many -men to stop it. But there are several small ones farther on that could -be covered." - -At an hour before noon it was necessary to stop for the daily rest, -even though they would have liked to continue in search of water. - -They were in a narrow valley between tall, sharp peaks. A ribbon-like -dry river bed wound in and out among the brightly colored rocks, -suggesting that once a rushing stream had forced its way through the -mountains. - -"How I wish the river were still here," said Joe with a sigh. - -As soon as camp was made, the explorers took it easy in the shade of -the tent, more than glad to escape the terrible heat of the sun. - -But before long Bob and Joe became restless. At last Joe got up and -stretched. He sipped a very small quantity of water; then motioned for -Bob to get up. - -"What's up?" the latter asked. - -"Come on," said Joe, picking up his rifle. "Let's go out awhile. I'm -anxious to explore these mountains around here. There's no telling -what we may come across." - -Bob was willing, and as the sun was slightly less hot, they started -out in the direction of a large mountain that had tall, sharp points -reaching up into the sky. - -"What's that over there?" asked Bob, pointing to a wall of rock some -two hundred feet away. - -"Don't know. Let's go over and see." - -The youths walked over to the precipice and then halted before a small -crack that looked to be the entrance to a cave. - -"Shall we go in?" asked Joe. - -"I'm game. Come on." - -The hole in the rock was so small that it was necessary to crawl on -their hands and knees for a short distance. Then the cave became -larger, and they could stand. - -Bob had his flashlight in his pocket and at once switched on the -light. - -"We're in a large cave, all right," observed Joe, casting eager eyes -about. "There's another opening away over there," pointing to the far -side of the cave. "Let's go through it and see where it leads us." - -The hole was so small that the boys barely got through crawling on -their stomachs. But at last they reached the other side, and Bob -turned the light ahead. - -"Just another cave," said Bob. "Chances are----" - -"Wait!" started Joe, gazing at the darkness before them. "Let's have -some light over there." - -The beam was turned in the direction indicated by Joe, and the next -moment the boys gave startled exclamations. - -"A narrow passageway," observed Bob. "Come on. We'll see where it -takes us." - -Suddenly, as they rounded a sharp corner, the youths came face to face -with something that made them cry out in delight. - -There, directly before them, was a large underground pool of sparkling -water. - -With a word of thanksgiving the young men rushed over and gulped up -large quantities of the precious fluid. - -"At last!" cried Bob, too happy for words. "At last we've found -water!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -Captured! - - -To the two boys, who had hoped against hope that their parched throats -could be relieved, the priceless water tasted like nectar. They had -felt sure that grim tragedy was near. Now their spirits were restored -to a new high level, and they considered themselves equal to anything. - -At last, when they had fully quenched their thirst, they glanced about -the cavern. - -Near the edge of the pool were the tracks of wild animals, which had -evidently made this place a frequent haunt. The youths did not -recognize all the imprints, but Joe stoutly declared that gazelles had -been there. - -"Doesn't seem pleasant to know that we've been drinking after wild -animals, does it?" laughed Bob. - -"No. But we won't think of that, especially since our thirst was so -great. Then, too, it's not likely that many germs are to be found away -out here in the desert mountains." - -The youths stretched out on the cool white sand beside the pool. The -atmosphere in the cavern was such a departure from the fierce outside -heat that they were content idly to while the time away, despite the -fact that they should be getting back to camp. At times they bent over -to drink of the refreshing water, delightfully knowing that they could -have all they wanted. - -Then they grew drowsy and gradually fell asleep, a thing that they -should not have done. - -At last they were awakened--suddenly! Every nerve in their bodies -seemed tense. Something told them not to move. - -Slowly they edged around and looked toward the back of the cave. Then -they started, as a savage growl rent the air. A fierce tiger cat was -crouched ready to spring. It had evidently come to the pool for water -when it had discovered the youths. - -There was no time to take aim with their rifles, for the beast would -be upon them. - -Slowly Bob reached for his pistol, and Joe followed suit. At last the -boys were ready for action. - -With a quick motion Bob whirled about and took hasty aim; then fired. -A second later the report of Joe's gun rang out. - -"Missed!" cried Joe in horror. "Both shots missed!" - -"Well, we won't miss again," said Bob, gritting his teeth. "We've got -to stop him." - -Bob jumped to his feet and took aim. Five shots followed in rapid -succession. Joe continued the defense with his revolver. - -When the deadly fire ceased, the tiger cat was literally riddled with -bullets. It gave a convulsive twitch and rolled over, dead. - -"Finally stopped him," muttered Joe, his face wet with perspiration. -"And a powerful fellow, too." - -"One can do a lot of things if he has to," remarked Bob, putting his -gun back in its holster. - -The youths lost no time in getting out of the cave. They would have -liked to remain in its cool retreat much longer, but they realized -that it was necessary to get back to camp. - -"Won't our dads and the others be tickled beyond words when we tell -them we've found water!" smiled Joe, as they crawled through the -narrow passageway. - -"Tickled is too weak to describe it," said Bob. "I bet old Tishmak -will hug us to death." - -At last they reached the outside and turned their footsteps toward -camp. It was but a short distance away, beyond the tall precipice at -the entrance to the cave. The youths put unusual energy into their -legs and in but a few moments were met by all of their friends. Their -fathers, in particular, rushed forward anxiously. - -"Where have you been so long?" demanded Mr. Holton, vexed to the -utmost that the young men should stay away from camp for an indefinite -period without giving an explanation of where they were going. - -Joe's father's temper was also wrought up. - -"Did something hold you back?" he asked. - -"Yes," Joe answered quietly. "Several things kept us from returning -sooner. But it may interest you more if we tell you that we've found -water." - -"Water!" Mr. Lewis was all excitement. "You mean--you actually have -located a well?" - -Mr. Holton and Dr. Kirshner listened breathlessly. Fekmah translated -joyfully to Tishmak. - -"Not exactly a well," returned Bob, "but something just as good. An -underground pool. And how cool it is! Come on," he added. "I know -you're all dying for a drink." - -Hastily the men followed their young companions over to the large -cliff. Then, after crawling through the small opening, they found -themselves at the edge of the pool of bubbling water. - -For a moment the men could hardly believe their eyes. At last! Water! - -Suddenly, as though urged on by some unseen power, they bent down and -drank until they could hold no more. It was pleasure unthinkable! - -At last Dr. Kirshner straightened up. - -"I've never had such enjoyment in years," he said happily, and then -added: "Lucky that our thirst was no worse than it was, or it would -have been necessary to restrain ourselves from drinking too much at -once." - -When the men had finished drinking, they glanced about the cave. Their -flashlights fell on the body of the tiger cat, and they looked up in -surprise. - -"What's this?" inquired Mr. Lewis, pointing to the bullet-riddled -carcass. - -Bob and Joe smiled. - -"That old boy tried to make us remain for dinner, but we fooled him," -explained Bob. "We had to empty our revolvers to stop him, though." - -There was a clamor of excited questions, and the youths were forced to -relate every detail of the encounter. When they had finished, the -naturalists bent over to examine the striped skin. - -"Too bad, but I'm afraid you've put too many bullets in him for us to -use the skin," said Mr. Holton regretfully. "And a large specimen, -too. But then," he went on, "we won't think of that when your lives -hung in the balance." - -The explorers spent a few minutes sitting in the cool white sand. Then -they went back outside to get the water containers. - -They had had an uneasy feeling that perhaps the camels had been -molested during their stay in the cavern, and gave a sigh of relief -upon seeing them sitting peacefully near the tent. - -As it was getting late, camp was broken, and the dromedaries were led -to the entrance of the cave. The water containers were carried in to -the pool and filled to capacity with what stood between the explorers -and death. - -"Now that everything is in readiness, I suppose we must be getting on -our way," said Dr. Kirshner. "But I must admit I hate to leave that -pool behind. Somehow I've become greatly attached to it." - -"Does seem too bad," Mr. Lewis agreed. "But I suppose we will find -other wells and sources of water. Where is the next one, Fekmah?" - -"Many miles away," the Arab returned. "But come to think of it, -Tishmak says one around here near. If it very far away, we go to it." - -When the question was put to him, the guide replied that the well was -but a few miles away. He considered it unnecessary to find it, as -another was a day's journey in their direction. He informed them that -since it was very large, it could not be easily covered up by the two -thieves. - -With one last look at the high precipice, the explorers turned the -camels back on the lane between the mountains. With the right kind of -luck they would come to the gorge of Arak some time the next day, and -another landmark on Fekmah's duplicate map would have been noted. - -As they penetrated farther into the mountains, the scenery became more -beautiful. There were many wonders that caused the explorers to gasp -in astonishment. - -"The Ahaggar range is of larger extent than the Alps," said Dr. -Kirshner, as they circled about among the rugged cliffs. "And although -not of extremely high altitude, these Saharan mountains have many show -points that cannot be found elsewhere." - -"And they are comparatively unknown to the outside world," put in Bob. -"Why, the average person doesn't even dream of mountains being in the -heart of the old Sahara." - -All along the way Bob and Joe took motion pictures of the many strange -marvels of nature. They photographed the tall peaks, the deep gorges, -and the narrow valleys. They turned the cameras on the many ancient -inscriptions that were of so much interest to the archæologist. - -"We've run off a good many hundred feet of film," remarked Joe, after -the cameras had "purred" for an unusually long period as the youths -filmed a deep canyon through which they passed. "In fact, if they had -given us twice as much film we could easily have used it all." - -Bob nodded. - -"And there's less danger of losing it in a hot, dry region like this," -he said. "Isn't at all to be compared with the damp, tropical climate -of Brazil." - -Slowly the country became more rough, until that evening, after the -meal, the adventurers found it very difficult to pick out a way -between the many large rocks. On one occasion they passed through a -dark tunnel-like passage beneath high, overhanging peaks, and had -literally to feel their way through. There was not the faintest ray of -moonlight to lighten the deep passageway. - -When they finally came to the other end they gave sighs of relief that -at last the moon could again be seen. But now something else hindered -progress. A peculiar desert plant, with sharp, poisonous needles and a -rather disagreeable odor, had been known previously to the explorers. -Now, as they emerged from the dark recesses of the tunnel, they came -upon large clusters of these plants. Everywhere the dromedaries went, -it seemed, they were forced to tramp through these formidable shrubs. - -"It's a wonder they can stand it," said Joe, shaking his head. "Their -feet are already swollen almost double." - -"Be tragedy if the animals would have to stop," the other youth said. -"It would mean our end, I guess." - -"They'll make it all right," put in Mr. Lewis, who was riding at the -rear with the boys. "But, needless to say, we couldn't walk on them." - -Suddenly, as they came to the edge of a dry river bed, Dr. Kirshner -halted his camel and looked about on the ground. The others waited a -moment to see what he had discovered. - -"An ancient tool of flint," he announced, commanding his camel to -kneel. - -The archæologist picked up the instrument and examined it carefully -with the aid of a flashlight. It was about a foot long and shaped to -resemble a crescent. The inner edge was as sharp as a razor. - -"Doubtless some kind of a knife," Dr. Kirshner said, as the others -crowded around him. "Shaped out of flint by people of the Neolithic -age. Perhaps it was used to harvest crops." - -"Crops? In the desert?" Bob was amazed. - -The scholar nodded. - -"It is firmly believed that primitive people lived in what is now the -desert rather than along river valleys of more modern prominence. Of -course the Sahara was at that time much less arid, or dry, than it is -today." - -Dr. Kirshner searched about for other relics, but found none. - -"It is strange how that tool got on the surface of the ground," he -remarked, as they turned the dromedaries ahead. "Other expeditions -have penetrated into this region, and it is quite obvious that they -would have found it had it been in sight." - -"Perhaps a rainstorm washed it out of the ground," suggested Mr. -Holton. - -They rode until late that night, for they were anxious to come to the -gorge of Arak some time the next day. - -"We should see it tomorrow afternoon," predicted Fekmah. - -Notwithstanding this, they rode all the next morning without coming to -the landmark. Finally Tishmak gave up in disgust and stopped in the -shade of an overhanging rock. It was nearly noon, and the necessity to -get a meal was becoming more apparent. - -When they had finished eating they continued to rest in the tent. At -this high altitude the sun was less hot than it had been on the -plateaux, and it would have been possible to ride farther. But they -had become accustomed to the usual afternoon rest and were loath to -depart from this regularity. - -But Dr. Kirshner had sat only a few minutes before he got up and -stretched. Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis were asleep, but Fekmah and -Tishmak remained awake. Bob and Joe sat in one corner of the tent, -sleepily gazing out at the distant peaks. - -"I'm going out and look around," Dr. Kirshner said to them. "Care to -go along?" - -Bob replied in the negative, but Joe arose and walked over to his -rifle. - -"Don't stay too long," advised Bob, as Joe and the archæologist -started out. - -They were familiar with the country in the immediate vicinity of camp. -As there was nothing of new interest to be found there, they hiked -farther to the south. The scientist wished particularly to find more -ancient inscriptions, and, if possible, other evidences of ancient -civilizations. - -"What's this?" cried Joe, slapping his hand to his face. "Well I'll -be---- Some kind of a fly." - -"It is a wonder we haven't come across insect pests long before this," -Dr. Kirshner said. "They are very common all through this section." - -The flies had been discovered while they were trudging through a long, -hot passageway between two high wall-like rocks. Now, as the two -adventurers passed farther on, they came into more of the insects, -which swarmed about as if thirsty for human blood. - -"Ought to have some kind of a spray," remarked Joe, pushing them away -in great numbers. - -"We have, in camp," his friend said. "If the pests bother us much -we'll have to make use of it." - -After an hour's hike they came to another dry river bed, and again -Dr. Kirshner found flint implements scattered about. Joe had a small -motion-picture camera with him, and at the scientist's request he -filmed the half-buried primitive tools as they lay hardly visible in -the sand. - -"I want proof that these antiquities came from the Sahara," Dr. -Kirshner said, placing them in the small box he carried over his -shoulder for the purpose. - -A little later Joe started to take a motion picture of a small animal -that darted across the river bed, but cried out in disgust. - -"A pesky fly got in front of the lens," the youth explained. "Looked -as big as an elephant." - -"One scene ruined," laughed the archæologist. "But you'll have to get -used to that." - -The adventurers stopped here and there to rest and sip a small amount -of water. Then they would hike on, always on the lookout for the -unusual. - -They had just rounded the corner of a tall, cone-shaped peak when Joe -stopped and pointed to the sand near by. - -Dr. Kirshner's jaw dropped in surprise. - -"Footprints!" he cried. "Human footprints!" - -He had hardly uttered the words when there came a chorus of yells from -behind a large rock. A moment later ten or twelve rough-looking Arabs -darted out and surrounded the Americans. The natives at once disarmed -the whites by sheer force and then displayed long knives -threateningly. - -The Arabs chattered ominous words, which caused Dr. Kirshner to start -in alarm and fear. - -"We are being captured!" he exclaimed excitedly. "These Arabs are -hired by the two thieves who stole Fekmah's map!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -The Cave of Treasure - - -At Dr. Kirshner's dread explanation, Joe cried out in surprise and -fear. - -"Captured!" he mumbled in a strange voice. "Find out how long they are -going to keep us." - -The scientist put the question before the Arabs, who laughed -mockingly. - -"Until the treasures have all been taken from the hidden cave," they -replied in the native language. - -Dr. Kirshner could hardly believe his ears. - -"Then--the riches have been found?" he demanded. - -"Yes. And we are to keep you away. We know not how long it will be. If -you act right, we will treat you well. But if you try to get away you -will be severely punished." - -"Where are you taking us?" - -For answer the Arabs only laughed. - -"What do you think of it?" asked Joe, after his friend had translated -the natives' words. - -Dr. Kirshner shook his head. - -"Looks like we're not going to get back to camp today," he said -gravely. "Worst thing is, these rascals may hunt out our friends and -capture them also. If we could just leave some word that would give -them a hint to be on the lookout----" - -The two Americans were forced along the narrow edge of a deep canyon, -and more than once they felt that they were but an inch from death. -Their tempers were thoroughly aroused, but they knew that they had no -chance against such a horde. - -"These fellows are a bit different from American roughnecks," Dr. -Kirshner said. "Arabs would not hesitate to stick a knife through you -if not satisfied with your actions, but our own countrymen would -ordinarily think twice before doing such a thing." - -The two explorers were in the midst of the group, with swarthy natives -on each side of them. To attempt to break loose would indeed be -futile. - -"I wonder if we will be taken near the hidden riches?" muttered Joe, -gazing ahead at the distant country. - -"Hard telling," the archæologist replied. "Of course it is possible, -but I doubt it. Still they might purposefully show us the treasure to -let us know how much we are missing." - -A half-hour's traveling brought them to the base of an unusually high -peak. It might, thought the Americans, be Mount Oudane or Illiman, as -it was every inch of ten thousand feet. - -There was a small well in a crevice between the rocks, and much to -their great delight the prisoners were given the opportunity to drink -to their hearts' content. The water was unusually cool, protected as -it was from the heat of the sun. - -But only a few minutes' rest was allowed, even though the Americans -were very tired after the ceaseless afternoon tramp. - -Another hour of hiking over the rough country brought them to a high -hill, which Dr. Kirshner said led to the central plateau of Atakor. -For a great distance it was almost flat country, with little or no -vegetation. - -The prisoners were forced to climb a narrow ledge and came at last to -the top of the mountain. To their right was a large entrance that led -undoubtedly into a cave. - -The Arabs motioned for the whites to stop and turn into the cavern. -Dr. Kirshner and Joe hesitated for a moment then did as directed. - -At first they found themselves in utter darkness. As their eyes became -more accustomed to the blackness, they saw that a long, narrow tunnel -stretched away from the back of the cave. Whether it led to any place -in particular they did not know. - -"Well, I guess we've come to the end of our tramp," observed Joe, -looking about to see what the Arabs intended to do next. - -There were no chairs or boxes to sit on, but slabs of rock invited the -newcomers to sit down. - -As soon as it became evident that the Americans had settled -themselves, the Arabs stationed themselves at the entrance of the -cave. Before long, however, all of the men but three departed. - -"Looks bad for us," remarked Dr. Kirshner. "We were fools to start out -alone in this country when we knew we were getting near the hidden -riches." - -"Too late now," mourned Joe. "We'll have to make the best of it, I -guess. But I'd feel a lot better if we had some way to warn Dad and -Bob and the others. Perhaps they'll walk right into a trap set by -those Arabs." - -The cave in which they were guarded was in the side of a wall of rock, -which was several hundred feet above the surrounding mountains. From -their lofty positions the Americans could look out over scores of -miles of rugged country. - -Dr. Kirshner had his binoculars strapped over his shoulder and took -them out to view the distant panorama. The binoculars were of very -high power, made by a well-known firm. - -Suddenly his eyes fell on something that made him gasp in -astonishment. - -"The cave of riches!" he cried. "I can see it! And there are five or -six Arabs walking inside!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -Met by Enemies - - -Down a little valley between two high mountains rode four explorers, -their eager eyes penetrating every crevice and notch in the -mountainous country about them. High-power binoculars were turned upon -every level stretch, rifles were fired at regular intervals, voices -were brought to new swells. It was a search that under ordinary -circumstances would have brought Dr. Kirshner and Joe back in a very -short time. - -Finally, after the searchers had been out several hours and darkness -was beginning to fall, Mr. Lewis stopped and buried his face in his -hands. He realized that defeat was staring them in the face. - -"Guess they're really lost," sighed Bob Holton, his face extremely -sober. - -"Or else something has happened to them," added Fekmah in a voice that -he tried to keep steady. - -Mr. Lewis said nothing, but he feared all too much that the Arab was -right. And yet, he reasoned, they were likely to be very careful and -not take chances. Still that would not prevent nature or wild tribes -from harming them. - -Mr. Holton, however, was very optimistic. He believed that, despite -the length of their stay, the two were safe. Perhaps they had fallen -asleep from exhaustion or had wandered farther away than they had -intended and were forced to spend the night in the mountains. - -Tishmak had been left at the camp, as it was thought best to have -someone there in case the archæologist and Joe should return while the -searchers were gone. - -"We're a long distance from camp," said Mr. Lewis, as the searchers -sat on their camels at the brink of a deep gully. "Shall we try to get -back tonight?" - -"I'm in favor of it," returned Mr. Holton impatiently. "Of course we -left word with Tishmak that we might spend the night away, but he may -be greatly worried. Then, too, he might not be safe there alone." - -The others thought this good advice, and turned the dromedaries back -up the lane. They could possibly get half of the way there before the -darkness would halt them. Then the moon would probably furnish -sufficient light to continue. - -"Here's hoping they will be at camp when we get there," said Bob. - -But Tishmak was the only one who greeted them when finally they rode -wearily up to the tent. - -The guide had fully expected to see the lost ones return with the -others, and his face wore an anxious look when he saw that their -search had been in vain. - -Fekmah immediately related their past experiences, concluding by -asking what Tishmak thought had happened to them. - -The guide replied that, as Mr. Holton had said, perhaps they had -wandered farther away than they had intended and were forced to spend -the night away. Of course, he went on, tragedy might have come upon -them, but he doubted this very much. The Tuaregs who inhabited this -region were friendly to strangers, showing excellent hospitality. And -both Dr. Kirshner and Joe he considered able to take care of -themselves. He finished by saying that, through his guiding numerous -expeditions into the Sahara, he believed himself capable of judging a -true explorer. - -When Fekmah translated this to the Americans, they were much relieved. -Especially was Mr. Lewis hopeful. He had confidence in Joe and -believed him equal to taking care of many tight situations. - -Notwithstanding this, there was little sleep for any of them that -night. When at last the sun began to peep through the distant -mountains they were up ready for action. - -"We've got to find them today," said Bob, gritting his teeth. - -"We will, if they are anywhere around here," Mr. Lewis added. "Let's -hurry and have breakfast." - -As soon as the meal was over, they again started out on the search, -this time taking Tishmak and leaving Fekmah. The latter thought this -the best procedure, as the guide could render more assistance in -searching the mountains. - -Taking the opposite direction from the one they followed the day -before, the explorers rode off, bidding warm farewells to Fekmah. - -For several miles they rode over the smooth surface of a dry river -bed. Then they turned and followed a path around a small mountain. - -"Wonder how this path got here?" said Joe, as they plodded up the -hill. - -"Wasn't made by nature," concluded Mr. Holton, observing the -regularity that was persistent with every step. - -He resolved to use his limited knowledge of the native language and -inquired of Tishmak, for surely the guide would know. - -When finally the latter understood, he replied that the lane had been -made by Tuaregs who inhabited this region. Perhaps the path would -lead them to a village. - -But the searchers trudged on around the hill without seeing any signs -of natives. However, they finally broke away from the narrow way and -emerged on level country. - -They were now on a high plateau, with towering peaks on all sides of -them. As far as the explorers could see, there were no breaks or -ravines anywhere about. - -Rifles were discharged at intervals, and hoarse shouts often rent the -air. At every few steps the searchers stopped to look about, almost -expecting eventually to find the lost ones nearer than they thought. - -Once Bob thought he heard footsteps, but several minutes of listening -convinced them that no one was about. Perhaps it had been his -imagination. - -"Sounded like someone was coming toward us," the youth said. "But I -guess I just thought so." - -"We'll have to keep our ears and eyes wide open," Mr. Lewis reminded -them. "If Joe and Dr. Kirshner are anywhere around here, it might be -possible to hear them." - -"Isn't likely that they fell into the hands of Tuareg raiders, is it?" -asked Mr. Holton. - -"Tishmak said not," Joe's father returned. "He thinks that the -Tuaregs around here are friendly and peaceful." - -A little farther on they passed several large slabs of rock that were -covered with ancient inscriptions and drawings. Dr. Kirshner would -surely throw a fit of delight if he could see them. But, thought Bob, -perhaps he had already come to them and was searching for more, quite -forgetful of the necessity to get back to camp. But no, this could not -be, for Joe would realize that necessity if the scientist did not. - -At noon they stopped for lunch under a large crag that resembled an -inverted hook. There was plenty of water in their containers, giving -each the opportunity to satisfy his thirst. - -There was not much conversation during that rest, for they were all -busy with their thoughts. And those thoughts were anything but -cheerful. But they refused to give up hope so soon, for another -half-hour might see the two lost ones back with their friends. - -Scarcely ten minutes were spent in the shade of the rock. Even then -Mr. Lewis felt that that time had been wasted. - -"Something might have happened to them during that time," he said, -greatly worried. - -Mr. Holton laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. - -"Snap out of it, Ben, old man," he begged. "I'm willing to bet that -they are safe and well. And I firmly believe we will find them before -another day will pass." - -Mr. Lewis did resolve to cheer up and be hopeful; but still he -possessed a haunting fear that perhaps tragedy had come upon them. - -The sun blazed very hot that afternoon, scorching the already baked -soil. This did not hinder the progress of the searchers, however, who -trudged constantly on. - -Suddenly, as they passed over a wide valley strewn with rocks and -dotted with cracks and ravines, Bob stopped and looked about -expectantly. The others had also caught a sound. - -The next moment the explorers were seized with fear, for ten or twelve -evil-looking Arabs darted out on dromedaries and rushed toward the -explorers. - -"What's this!" cried Mr. Holton, as one of the men caught hold of his -camel. - -There was no chance to use their guns. The Arabs were on the lookout -for any treachery. - -Suddenly Bob saw a chance and, drawing the reins of his dromedary, he -dashed away at full speed for a short canyon between the rocks. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -A Dangerous Undertaking - - -Urging his dromedary on to the utmost, the youth was carried over the -narrow valley at a pace that ate up the distance surprisingly. In -fact, never had he traveled so rapidly on camelback. - -When he was several hundred feet away, he glanced back, to see that -two of the Arabs were pursuing him desperately. At the start he had -put a good distance between himself and his enemies, but now the -latter were gaining swiftly. They were more familiar with the country -and knew better how to command their camels to move fast. - -"If I can only make that little canyon," the youth thought, bending -low so as to lessen the wind resistance. - -The canyon was near now, but a hurried look over his shoulder told Bob -that the Arabs were near also. If he could only get there! - -He lashed the dromedary with a new determination and entered the -narrow way between the mountains just as the Arabs passed over a small -grove of low shrubs some two hundred feet away. - -Bob knew that this was a very short canyon and that there were -numerous large rocks and crevices at the opposite end. Perhaps he -could successfully evade his pursuers by hiding in one of these -openings in the mountainsides. - -Sharp jagged crags protruded from all sides of the thread-like -passageway between the high walls. It was very dangerous to ride with -much speed in such a place, but the chance had to be taken. - -He reached the other end of the passage with but a moment to spare. -Immediately his dromedary was cut over to the right behind a -barrel-like rock. But the youth did not stop there; he wound in and -out among the many huge boulders. - -At last he came to a stop in a large crevice between two imposing -slabs of stone. With every nerve on edge, the young man listened. - -"They're coming!" he thought, getting out his revolver. "But they -won't get me if I can help it!" - -But he was in a very secure hideout, and it was unlikely that the -Arabs would locate it. Still he realized that they probably knew this -region better than did he. - -As Bob waited breathlessly, his mind was in a whirl. Who were these -Arabs? What did they want? Why had they descended upon the little -exploring party so mysteriously? Bob did not know what to make of the -situation, but he knew that danger was at hand. What further added to -his perplexity was the fact that Arabs did not normally inhabit the -Sahara so far south as this. - -Suddenly he started, as a thought struck him. Was it--the two thieves -who stole Fekmah's map? Entirely possible, of course. - -Then a strange thing happened. As though informed by some unseen -power, Bob grasped the whole situation. He saw Dr. Kirshner and Joe in -the clutches of the two thieves, being held as prisoners. He visioned -his father, Mr. Lewis, and Tishmak riding away under the guard of the -Arabs. - -"Those thieves did it, then, to keep us away from the hidden -treasure," thought the youth, and he could not have had a more -accurate realization. - -For some time he listened closely for any sound from the two Arabs who -had pursued him. He thought once he heard the footsteps of camels, but -was not sure. - -What was he to do next? He was now doubly glad that good fortune had -enabled him to escape from the would-be captors. If the Arabs had been -nomad plunderers, he would probably not have suffered much by -remaining with his father and the others. But as it was, there was a -possibility of bringing rescue to his friends. - -"How am I to do it?" the youth mused, trying to remain calm. - -Suddenly the far-away noise of footsteps came to his ears, and he knew -that the two Arabs who had followed him had given up and were -abandoning the chase to join their friends back in the valley. - -After several minutes of waiting, Bob got off his camel and tethered -the brute to a small protruding rock. Then he walked over to some -distance beyond the mountain near which he had been hiding. - -He glanced up to the top of the peak and saw that it was unusually -high. The sides stretched almost straight up. - -"If I could only get to the top of some tall mountain," Bob thought, -his eyes scanning the landscape. "Then I might be able to see where -Dad and the others will be taken." - -The peak before him offered no footholds and therefore could not -possibly be scaled. He looked about for other sky-piercing hills. At -last his eyes fell on one about a hundred yards away, and he resolved -to inspect it. - -"Looks like there might be a chance there," the youth thought and then -walked over and untied his dromedary. - -He rode over to the mountain, every step bringing new hope. The peak, -rocky as it was, was rather gradual and not straight up, as were many -others in the vicinity. - -Once more the camel was tied by the rocky side, and Bob moved over to -gaze up to the top. The dizzy height almost took his breath away. But -he saw at once that it would be possible to climb to the very summit -of this imposing peak of rock. - -Bracing himself to the task that was before him, Bob began the -dangerous ascent, slowly, at first, and then climbing faster. It was -exhausting, fear-inspiring, but he went bravely up. There was no -option in this case. He must observe where his father and the others -would be taken by their Arab captors. - -"If I can only get up in time," the young man thought, as he sought -out a means to ascend a five-foot plate of smooth stone that was -directly above him. - -To do this, it was necessary to edge on around the mountainside until -he came to a rough, gradual section. Then climbing became -comparatively easy. - -Once, when he was but a third of the way up, he glanced back over his -shoulder to the ground below and almost lost his balance. But he -caught himself with a quick motion, and after resting a moment from -the terrific strain, continued the climb. That glance to the ground -had revealed that he was several hundred feet up. How easy it would -be to slip backwards! - -Another hundred feet and he found himself on a wide shelf, which -seemed to encircle the peak. A short rest was taken here, and in the -end he felt much better for it. - -"Wonder if I can get down from here?" the boy mused, again taking up -the climb. "I'll find some way, though," was his conclusion. - -For a few more hundred feet the way was very gradual, with many rocks -of different sizes affording footholds. But as he came to a sharp -break in the side of the mountain, the lofty pointed crag shaped up -straighter and more jagged. Once he thought he had gone as far as -possible, but finally managed to get to the brink of a slab that had -threatened to hinder his progress. - -"On to the top," he thought, bringing his foot up another notch with -difficulty. - -At last, panting and perspiring, he ascended the last stretch and took -his position on the flat surface of a platform-like formation. Then he -turned to look below. - -A cry of astonishment came from his lips as he saw that he was -hundreds and hundreds of feet in the air. Far, far below, he could -dimly make out his dromedary by the outermost side of the mountain. -The beast seemed no larger than an ant. - -"I wonder if Dad and the others can be seen," he mused, turning his -gaze in the opposite direction. - -"Yes!" he muttered excitedly. "There they are." - -He had caught sight of his father and friends being led up the valley -by their Arab captors. The camels on which they rode seemed only -crawling, so small did they appear. - -As usual, his binoculars were strapped over his shoulder, and he took -them out to get a closer view. Through them he could see the worried -expressions on his friends' faces, and the surly grins of the Arabs. - -There was a sort of narrow ledge that passed up the little valley and -around the mountain. It was up this that the captives were being led. - -"There's probably a hideout somewhere around here," the youth thought, -shifting his eyes from the camel procession to the rugged country -ahead. - -From his lofty perch it might be possible to get a glimpse of the -hidden cave in which were the riches. Bob scanned the landscape about -him but finally gave up and again followed the movements of his -friends and the Arabs. - -"If it's anywhere around here, it's concealed from view," he thought. - -The youth was crouching low behind a flat shelf of rock, so as to be -invisible to the Arabs if they should happen to look up in that -direction. He knew that their seeing him would spell his doom. - -As Bob watched the line of camels and their riders, it seemed that -they were making no time at all; yet he knew that they were winding -around the mountain as fast as possible. - -Up, up, up they went, but always in sight. Bob noticed that they were -gradually moving away from him, and he wondered if he would be able to -follow their movements to the end. - -"If I can't, I'll have to change peaks," he thought, although he -realized that this would be difficult and dangerous. - -The Arabs and their captives were now nearing a high wall of rock that -would prevent them from being seen. But it would be for only a short -time--if they did not stop opposite it. - -After what seemed like hours to Bob, they emerged again into view, -this time at the brink of a high cliff. - -"Hope they don't step off of there," the youth breathed, his heart in -his mouth. - -At last, just as the sun was beginning to sink behind the distant -peaks, the camels and their riders came to a stop at an opening in a -mountainside that evidently led into a cave. - -Hardly able to hold the binoculars steady, Bob watched breathlessly, -almost expecting to catch sight of Joe and Dr. Kirshner. But those -individuals did not make an appearance. Bob did not doubt, however, -that they were in the cave. - -A moment later, captors and captives dismounted from their dromedaries -and walked through the opening out of sight. - -Bob waited silently for another half-hour, thinking that it might be -possible that this was only a temporary prison. But when at the end of -that time no one had left the cave, he was convinced that this was a -permanent hideout. - -"Now I suppose it's up to me to get down from here right away," Bob -thought, gliding silently off the shelf and onto a narrow ridge that -was directly below. - -Carefully he felt his way down with great difficulty. As he had -surmised, the descent would prove much harder than the ascent. - -Once his heart sank, as he saw that a five-foot wall of stone was -directly below him. But then he suddenly remembered that a little to -his right there were protruding rocks that would offer footholds. He -edged around, and in a short time was again climbing steadily down. - -The minutes passed. When he was a third of the way to the bottom, -darkness began to fall rapidly. He realized that he could not get to -the base of the peak before pitch darkness would envelop him. - -"But I've got to keep going down," he told himself, frantically -feeling his way among the rocks. - -For the past five minutes he had been getting drowsy, sleepy. The -day's strain was beginning to tell on him. With an effort he kept -himself awake. He knew the grim consequences if he should suddenly -fall asleep while making the dangerous descent of the peak. - -He was half of the way down; now two thirds. But a few more hundred -feet remained, and he braced himself and continued his slow, careful -movement. - -"Not much more now," he observed, glancing down. "Ought to make it in -a few more minutes." - -Long before, darkness had come upon him, making the frequent use of -his small flashlight necessary. Even then it was a hard task. - -"Must be almost to the bottom," he thought, when another fifteen -minutes had passed. - -He flashed the light downward and saw that fifty feet still remained. -Again he bent his efforts upon the descent that was still before him, -and in no time had covered most of the distance. - -But just when he prepared to use his flashlight, a small rock gave way -from under his left foot. He tried vainly to catch hold of a sharp -crag, and then felt himself falling! - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -Going for Help - - -When Bob reached the ground, he was sore from numerous bruises, but to -his great joy his legs and arms responded to his efforts to move them. - -He glanced up the side of the peak, but the darkness veiled his -vision. - -"Wonder what became of the old flashlight?" he mused, feeling about on -the soft ground. - -Finally his hand came upon something hard, and a thrill of delight ran -through him as he realized that he had found the electric torch. But -his heart sank as he saw that it had been damaged by the fall. - -"Lens wasn't broken, though," he observed. "Must be the bulb." - -Without the light there was no way of knowing how far he had fallen. -But he readily guessed that it was not over eight or nine feet. - -The moon was just beginning to show itself from behind the thin -clouds, and it might be possible to travel in its light. Whether to do -so or not, Bob could not easily decide. He knew that Fekmah would be -extremely worried if no one returned to camp that night, but he -doubted if he could keep awake long enough to direct his dromedary -over the right way. He finally made up his mind to stretch out beside -the mountain and surrender himself over to sleep. - -"I hate to treat Fekmah that way, but I don't believe I could make it -back," the youth thought, closing his eyes. - -A second later he fell asleep, not to awaken until the sun was well up -in the sky. - -"Eight o'clock!" he cried, looking at his watch. "By George! I bet -Fekmah is throwing a dozen fits." - -Bob at once jumped up and untied his dromedary. He was on the animal -in a moment and rode back toward camp. - -"I hope I know the way," he thought, as he was carried to the spot -where his father, Mr. Lewis, and Tishmak had been captured. - -But the youth had carefully observed the landmarks as they left camp -on the search, and had no difficulty in recognizing the way. - -First, however, Bob had made a small sketch map of the distant cave in -which his father and friend were being held captive. He was positive -he could locate it, perhaps without the use of the map. - -Bob was now passing up the path that Tishmak had believed made by -Tuaregs. For a good distance it would be necessary to follow this -lane; then he would turn off on a level stretch. - -Suddenly, as Bob made a sharp bend in the path, his jaw fell in -surprise and horror. - -Not twenty feet away sat a native, a Tuareg, with his back against a -low rock. The man was terror-stricken as he watched a long reptile -move toward him with a slow, terrible fascination. - -That the man knew not what to do, Bob rightly guessed. If he should -make the slightest move, the reptile, a deadly horned viper, would -strike. - -"It's up to me to come to his rescue," thought Bob, and, raising his -rifle, he took steady aim. - -The report of the gun was followed by a terrible twitching of the -snake. Meanwhile the Tuareg had jumped in surprise at the sound of the -gun and was now looking at his benefactor thankfully. - -Bob rode on up to the man and dismounted, to be met by the Tuareg. The -latter was of unusual height, towering several inches above Bob, who -was himself six feet. - -The man quite promptly threw his arms around Bob and hugged him, too -thankful for words that he had escaped a terrible death. It was rather -embarrassing for the young American, but he smiled modestly and passed -the thanks aside as best he could. - -Finally the Tuareg stood away and motioned for Bob to follow him up -the path. The youth did as directed, even though he was anxious about -getting back to camp. - -As Bob followed his newly made friend up the lane, he took note of the -man's dress. He was garbed in a loose black robe, which reached almost -to his feet. On his chest were numerous decorations that distinguished -him as a man of some importance among his people. What seemed most -unusual was a black veil that covered his face, leaving little more -than his eyes visible. On his head was a strange high cap of black and -white. - -"Quite a specimen," thought Bob. "And evidently a chief or nobleman." - -Ten minutes of walking brought them to the top of the hill. Then, as -they moved around a large rock, Bob caught sight of several tents -placed about a hundred yards apart on a vast plain. - -Several natives came running out, followed by a score more. They -rushed forward as they caught sight of Bob and his friend. - -The latter at once spoke excitedly to his fellow people, and Bob -rightly guessed that he was telling of being saved from the snake by -the white youth. - -When the man had finished, the Tuaregs looked at Bob with gratitude -and admiration. They asked him by signs to come into their tent -village, and he did so. - -"Wish I could speak some of their language," he thought, as he was -being shown the various things about the tents. - -It now became apparent that the man whom Bob had saved from death was -the chieftain of the tribe, as he was held in high esteem by all. And -no one else wore such decorations as did he. - -Suddenly a thought struck Bob, and he smiled in renewed hope. Perhaps -it would be possible to engage the aid of these Tuaregs in rescuing -his friends from the Arabs. Could it be worked? - -Bob was now extremely anxious to get back to camp, for he knew that -Dr. Kirshner had prepared a paper with many Tuareg words on it for -reference. The youth would get that paper and then come back and ask -for help in rescuing his father and the others. Perhaps they would be -willing to give aid. - -As best he could, Bob told the Tuaregs by signs that he must be -leaving, and it was evident that they understood. With a last -farewell, the youth turned his dromedary away. - -His hopes were high as he rapidly covered ground toward camp. Before -coming across these Tuaregs, Bob was in doubt as to whether he could -tackle so many of the Arabs alone in order to rescue his father and -friends. Now, with the prospects of getting aid from the Tuaregs, the -future looked brighter. - -"Still they might not be willing to help," he thought. "But at least I -can ask them." - -After winding in and out among the huge rocks and peaks for well over -an hour, Bob turned his camel up a little hill and came in sight of -camp. - -How good it looked! Since his friends had been captured by the Arabs, -the youth had had an uneasy feeling that perhaps he could not find his -way back. - -"Where's Fekmah, I wonder," he mused, looking about. - -A moment later the Arab came running up, delighted beyond words at -again seeing him alive and well. - -"What kept you away so long?" Fekmah asked. "And where are the -others?" - -Bob's face darkened. He told of his father, Mr. Lewis, and Tishmak -being captured by the Arabs, and of his own good fortune in getting -away. - -"But," he said, "I have a plan to bring about their rescue." - -"What is it?" Fekmah waited breathlessly. - -"On the way back to camp this morning, I came upon some Tuaregs who -live in a tent village several miles from here. They were very -friendly and wanted me to stay longer, but I told them I had to get -back. - -"Now Dr. Kirshner has a paper with a good many Tuareg words on it. I -remember hearing him tell about it several days ago. If we can find -that, everything will probably be all right. We'll take it with us to -their village and ask them in their own language to help us. How does -it sound?" - -"Very good," Fekmah returned. "But do you think they will?" - -"Won't do any harm to find out," Bob said, going in the tent. - -Dr. Kirshner's large satchel was on a box, and the young man at once -took it down and searched its contents for the paper of Tuareg words. -His nerves were on edge with a terrible fear that perhaps it would not -be there. - -Papers and books and pamphlets were all taken out and hastily read. -Scarcely would the youth glance at one sheet when he would pick up -another. Under ordinary circumstances, Dr. Kirshner would not have -permitted anyone to go through his belongings, but now it was a case -of necessity. - -Suddenly Bob straightened up in great relief. He had at last found the -object of his search. - -"Here it is," he said to Fekmah, who was standing beside him. "A -translation of about three hundred Tuareg words. Now I guess we'll -fool those Arab crooks." - -Bob had had nothing to eat that morning, and he was very hungry. He -lost no time in preparing a satisfying breakfast. When he had -finished eating, he turned to Fekmah. - -"Now," he said, "I'm going to that Tuareg village and ask for aid in -rescuing Dad and the others. You had better stay here with the camels -and supplies, hadn't you? It would probably mean tragedy for us if -anything should happen to them." - -"Yes," the Arab returned, "I will stay. And I not afraid that you will -fail." - -"I'll try not to," Bob said, getting on his dromedary. - -With a warm farewell the youth rode off at a rapid pace. His mind was -desperately set upon a purpose. He would rescue his father and friends -if he had to do it himself. - -The Tuareg village was several miles away, but his fleet-footed camel -covered the distance in no time. - -"Here's where I get busy with this new dialect," Bob thought, getting -out the paper of native words. - -A score or more Tuaregs came running up, led by the chieftain, whom -Bob had saved from death previously. The people shouted sincere -welcomes. - -Bob glanced down at the paper and found a few words for casual -conversation. They were not difficult to pronounce, and the effect -upon the natives was astounding. They were indeed surprised to find -that this white youth could speak any of their language. - -But before long Bob got to the purpose. There was one word that stood -out in his mind more prominently than any of the others. It was -_reeskra_ (help). - -As best he could, the young American picked out several words and put -them in sentences. He outlined briefly and simply that his father and -friends were being held captives in a cave not a great distance away. -If the Tuaregs would give aid, they would be rewarded. Would they -help? - -The result of his request was instantaneous. The Tuareg men, nearly -all six-footers, waved their guns in the air and commanded Bob to lead -them to the cave where the whites were being guarded. - -A thrill of joy ran through Bob's veins, and he ordered his dromedary -to move forward. At last his father and friends would be released. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -To the Rescue - - -For a distance of several hundred yards the country remained -comparatively level, although dotted with huge rocks. Then mountains -loomed up before them, and they found it necessary to travel slower. - -Bob was followed by about fifteen Tuareg warriors, all magnificent -specimens of "desert knights." Each man was armed with a rifle which, -although inferior to Bob's high-velocity type, could do much damage. - -Bob was almost certain he could find the way without the small sketch -map he had made from the top of the tall peak the night before. But he -had the map in his pocket and intended to consult it if necessary. - -Breathlessly he led the way through the rough country and at last came -to the spot where his father and friends had been captured by the -Arabs. - -From then on, finding the way would be easy, the youth thought, for he -had only to move toward an odd formation of twin peaks that loomed up -above the other mountains in the distance. The cave in which those -captured were probably being held was along the side of those tall -double peaks. - -To make sure of this, Bob got out the map and scrutinized it closely. -Then, satisfied that he was right, he dashed forward, the Tuaregs at -his heels. - -The way now led up the side of a large hill. There was a break just to -one side of the path, and the rescuers could look down to the foot of -a deep gorge. Bob kept his dromedary as far away from the brink as -possible, to do away with the grim possibility of the ground giving -way from under his camel's feet. - -Finally, after trudging over a high plateau, they began climbing the -base of the twin peaks. At first the ascent was very gradual, but in a -short time the path curved upward around the side of the mountain. - -"Getting there, all right," observed Bob, as he noticed that they were -now several hundred feet above the plateau. - -At last they came to the top of a wide ledge, from which they could -look out over scores of miles of rugged country. As the shelf began to -narrow, Bob called a halt. - -He took out the paper of native words and told the Tuaregs that they -were now near the cave in which were his father and friends. It would -only be necessary to round a corner before coming to its entrance. - -But first he divided the group of natives into two sections. One, -under the command of the chieftain, was to move on around the ledge to -the cave from the west. The other, led by himself, would climb the -steep side of the mountain and walk on above to the other side of the -cavern. Then they would meet at the entrance and surround the Arabs -and release the prisoners. - -When Bob gave the word, the Tuaregs swung into action. Those in his -group followed him up the cliff to the brink, while the men under the -chieftain began moving around the ledge. - -It was a dangerous climb up the steep side of the mountain, but at -last Bob pulled himself up to another ledge about fifty feet above the -lower one. Then he led the way several rods along its surface. When he -thought they had passed beyond the entrance to the cave, he led the -descent to the lower shelf. - -A moment later he saw that he had miscalculated. He had not gone far -enough beyond the cavern to escape the wary eyes of the Arabs who were -stationed as guards. - -"Caught!" he exclaimed. "Caught square!" - -Four Arabs were sitting out in front, and they were on their feet -instantly as their eyes fell on Bob. The latter was no more than -twenty-five feet away from them, much nearer than he had expected to -be. - -The Arabs' rifles were standing against the wall of rock near the -cave. But before the men could get to them, Bob rushed forward. With a -wild shout he kicked the rifles away and dashed into the cavern. - -Startled exclamations--exclamations of joy, surprise, happiness--came -to the youth's ears, and he realized that he had at last found his -father, Joe, and the others. - -"Bob! You here!" cried Mr. Holton in wild excitement. - -"You old rascal! I knew you'd get us out!" came from Dr. Kirshner. - -But there was no time for that. Danger was at hand. - -"Quick!" he commanded. "Hide. Here, take my rifle, somebody. I'll use -my pistol. There's no time to lose!" - -The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the four Arabs darted -inside the cave and made for the captives and their new enemy. They -would not be beaten so easily! - -With a terrific crack to the chin, Bob sent the foremost Arab to the -ground. The other three men were making for the prisoners in the back -of the cave. - -Mr. Holton had taken Bob's rifle and was by the youth's side looking -for other Arabs. - -Suddenly Bob noticed that the man whom he had knocked down was getting -to his feet and making for the rifles not far away. - -Without hesitating a moment, the youth dashed out of the cave and -directed a stinging blow to the Arab's nose. The latter staggered a -moment at the edge of the cliff, and then, to the horror of the two -Americans, fell backwards over the cliff. - -Bob gave a cry of regret. Despite the fact that the Arab was an enemy, -the young man did not wish to send him to his death. - -Mr. Holton had also been touched deeply. - -"You--you shouldn't have done that," he muttered. "But--it couldn't -have been helped." - -Now a chorus of shouts and yells rent the air, and the Tuaregs rushed -into the cave. To the surprise and relief of the Americans, they had -captured the two thieves who stole Fekmah's map. Where had they found -them? - -Mr. Holton, Dr. Kirshner, and the other former prisoners were taken -aback at sight of the natives. At first they thought them other -enemies. Bob soon gave an explanation. - -The thieves were searched for Fekmah's map, but the latter was not -found. - -Meanwhile a struggle was taking place at the rear of the cave. - -Joe in particular attracted Bob's attention. The former youth was -grappling with a large, powerful fellow, who was vainly trying to -choke his young enemy. - -"Joe's sure a fighter," remarked Bob, as he and his father looked on -for a moment. - -"We had better help him, though," Mr. Holton said. "Come on." - -But a second later they saw that this would be unnecessary, for Joe -had suddenly jerked away and sent his fist with all force into the -Arab's jaw, knocking him out. - -"Great work!" commended Mr. Holton. "That fellow was dangerous." - -The two remaining Arabs saw that they had no chance against so many, -and they surrendered without a struggle. - -"Now tell us all about it," urged Dr. Kirshner, speaking to Bob. "We -want to know how you managed to engage the aid of these Tuaregs." - -Briefly the youth outlined his adventures since escaping from the -Arabs the day before. He told of climbing to the top of the peak, of -saving the Tuareg chieftain from death, and of getting the paper of -Tuareg words. - -"That's all," he finished. "Only these natives came up here with me to -get you out of the clutches of these Arabs." - -"A wonderful demonstration of ingenuity," breathed Mr. Lewis. "We -expected you all the time. Knew you'd find some way." - -"But our greatest work is yet before us," Bob said. "We must drive the -Arabs from the hidden treasure--if we can locate it." - -"No," came from Mr. Holton, "we won't need to do that." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -The Hidden Treasure - - -Bob looked at his father in surprise. - -"What do you mean?" he asked. - -"Simply that no one is there to drive away now," was the reply. "We -have captured all of the Arabs--even the two thieves who stole -Fekmah's map. And I might add that we have located the hidden -treasure." - -"What! You've been there?" - -"No, but we've seen the cave in which it is. In fact, it is possible -to see it from here." - -Mr. Holton took out his binoculars and handed them to his son. - -"Look away over there," the naturalist said, pointing to a distant -wall of rock that was many hundred feet high. "That small shelf on the -side of the cliff is an opening into the cave in which are the hidden -riches." - -Bob scanned the landscape ahead. Then he cried out in surprise and -amazement. - -"A cave away up in that cliff? Seems impossible. How can you get to -it?" - -"Must be an entrance on the other side," Dr. Kirshner replied. -"Fekmah's map no doubt points it out. Whether he remembered to put it -on the duplicate after the original was stolen, we have yet to see. -Where is he now?" - -"Who, Fekmah? I left him at camp this morning." - -"Let's go there now." - -First, however, Dr. Kirshner engaged in conversation with the Tuaregs -in their own language. He told them, among other things, of how -grateful he and the other former prisoners were for their help in -releasing them from the clutches of the Arabs. - -The natives were very courteous and friendly, inviting the -archæologist to their village. He returned that he would be delighted -to visit them, and concluded by saying that they would be given a -reward for their generous services. - -"Now let's get out of here," he said, turning to his friends. "I'm -particularly anxious to get back to camp and see Fekmah. I wonder if -any misfortune could have come upon him and our camels." - -The Americans, Tuaregs, and Arab captives left the cave behind and -trudged down the mountainside. But before they did so, they carried -out the food supply that had been in the cave for the prisoners and -their guards. It consisted of simple native food, but was welcomed by -the Americans and Tishmak. - -"There is much more in the cave where the hidden treasure is," -remarked Joe, as he walked beside his chum, who was leading his camel. -"We won't need to worry about not having enough to eat for many -weeks." - -"Doubt if we'll stay here that much longer," Bob said. "But I imagine -it'll come in handy all right." - -The Arabs were ordered to walk in front of the Americans and Tishmak. -The Tuaregs rode on to their village, after asking their newly made -friends to visit them the next morning. - -It required several hours for the explorers and their captives to get -back to camp, going on foot as they did. But when they finally came -within sight of the tent and camels, all gave sighs of relief. - -Fekmah came running out to meet them, his face showing an intense -thankfulness at again seeing his American friends and Tishmak alive -and apparently none the worse for their experience. - -"So Bob got you from Arab demons," he muttered and then added: "I knew -he would do it." - -Nothing would satisfy him but a complete detailed account of their -experiences, and it was Mr. Lewis who related all of the happenings -since they had last left camp. - -"Howard [Mr. Holton] and Tishmak and I were sure greatly relieved when -our captors took us to the cave where Joe and Dr. Kirshner were being -held," Mr. Lewis finished. "Funny, but we had not dreamed of them -being prisoners." - -"And I see you've brought the rascals with you," observed Fekmah. -"What are we going to do with them?" - -"I'm sure we've all been thinking about that," Dr. Kirshner returned. -"There are no police so far south as this, and we can't very well take -them with us back to Wargla. I wonder how it would be to take them to -an oasis fifty miles or so from here and leave them? There would be no -danger of them starving, because dates and water would furnish food. -And they couldn't get away without camels." - -"Sounds all right," Mr. Holton said. "Do you know where there is such -an oasis?" - -"No, but I'm sure our Tuareg friends do. I'll ask them in the morning. -Until then we'll have to keep our eyes on these Arabs. It might be -well to tie them up." - -This was thought good advice, and the captives were bound together so -tightly that they could not escape. - -The remainder of that day passed idly, and the explorers retired -shortly after the evening meal. - -"But we must be up early in the morning," Mr. Holton told them. "We -have a big day before us." - -They all slept the sleep of exhaustion and did not awaken as early as -they had intended. - -Breakfast over, Dr. Kirshner and Bob got on their camels and started -for the Tuareg village. The others put in a request to go also, but -the archæologist stoutly refused, saying that no time must be wasted. - -"We only want to make arrangements to take these Arab crooks to an -oasis and leave them," he said. "If more of you go, it will -necessarily keep us longer." - -It did not take the two long to get to the natives' village. The -chieftain at once came out to meet the newcomers, and Bob introduced -Dr. Kirshner to them. - -After a few casual remarks the scientist got to the point. He told the -natives of his desire to banish the Arabs to an oasis, if any were -near. He also asked if enough camels could be borrowed to take the -crooks there. - -The chieftain at once replied that he knew of an oasis a half-day's -journey from the village, and that he would gladly let them have the -camels. - -"Fine!" Dr. Kirshner said in the native tongue. "We'll go there at -once." - -The chieftain insisted upon leading them to the oasis, for, he said, -they could not find it alone. - -Dr. Kirshner consented, and the head native at once herded enough -camels to take the prisoners away. Then the Americans and the Tuareg -chieftain started for the explorers' camp to get the Arabs. - -"Be glad when this job's over," remarked Bob, as they rode toward -camp. "I'm anxious to see the hidden treasure." - -They arrived at camp and placed each Arab on a dromedary. After -preparing a lunch to last them until they would return, Dr. Kirshner, -Bob, and the Tuareg chieftain began the journey to the oasis, riding -behind the prisoners and guarding them closely. - -The oasis was about forty miles away, situated on a barren sand plain -surrounded by mountains. The Tuareg explained that there was no other -well near and that the prisoners would be forced to stay there for an -indefinite period, for no caravans passed along that way. - -In order to get to the place it was necessary to go through the -mountains, and traveling was not any too easy. But they rode with a -determination and finally arrived at the oasis. - -The Arabs were commanded to dismount and walk forward. Then, after -filling their canteens with water, the Americans and the Tuaregs -started the return journey, herding the dromedaries ahead of them. - -"Now that that's over, maybe we can rest easy," said Dr. Kirshner. -"Those Arabs can't get away because of not having camels, and the -monotony will punish them greatly." - -Bob, the scientist, and the Tuareg made good time that afternoon, -arriving at the explorers' camp just before sundown. The chieftain -lost no time in getting back to his village, after being thanked -warmly for his services. - -"We'll see that those Tuaregs get a reward," said Mr. Holton. "Just as -soon as we get to the hidden treasure we'll give it to them." - -The natives had not been told of the cave of riches, however, for fear -that their age-old desire to raid might get the better of them. - -Very early the next morning the explorers got their belongings placed -on the dromedaries and started out for the cave of treasure. Although -it would mean only a few hours' journey, they were extremely -impatient. - -"Wonder if those Arabs carried any of the riches away?" asked Bob, as -they rode toward the high wall of rock, in the side of which was the -cave. - -"No," Mr. Holton returned. "They hadn't started yet. Were just looking -over everything. At least that's what our guards told us. It seemed -that they intended to carry the stuff out in a day or two." - -"Wanted to catalog everything first, huh?" asked Bob. "Well, it's a -good thing we stopped them when we did." - -Fekmah found it necessary to consult his duplicate map very -frequently, and he wondered if he had remembered to put in all the -details accurately. - -Finally, after they had passed the tall wall of rock and were -following a narrow trail up the mountain on the opposite side of the -cliff, Dr. Kirshner turned to Bob. - -"You asked the other day how we were to get into the cave," he said. -"Of course it would be impossible to scale that lofty cliff. Fekmah's -map points out a narrow opening in the rock somewhere in this -vicinity, and we ought to find it in a very few minutes now." - -He had scarcely uttered the words when Fekmah cried out in delight and -pointed to a peculiar rock formation not far ahead. - -"There it is," he declared joyfully. "There is where we enter mountain -to get cave of treasure." - -The explorers, led by Fekmah, moved on up to the spot. - -"Here's an opening!" cried Joe, pointing to a small crack that was -barely large enough to let them in. - -Getting out their flashlights, they followed Fekmah through the crack -and into a narrow tunnel. The air was damp and heavy from the breath -of ages, but they trudged on through. - -After what seemed like hours, the passageway gradually became lighter, -and the explorers found themselves in a large cave. - -Suddenly Joe stumbled and fell, unable to catch himself. - -"What's this!" he mumbled. - -Then, as his light was turned to the floor, he gave an exclamation of -joy. - -"The hidden riches!" he said excitedly. "I've found them!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -Back to Civilization - - -At Joe's welcome declaration, the others ran over in a high state of -excitement. - -There, directly at their feet, was a huge chest of metal, the lid of -which was pushed back. Piled up to the top were emeralds, diamonds, -and a myriad of other precious stones. There were gold coins, rifles -of ancient design, small silver boxes, and a hundred or more other -valuable trinkets. - -For several minutes no one could speak. They were too amazed at the -value of the treasure. Finally Dr. Kirshner looked up. - -"Thousands and thousands of dollars' worth," he muttered, as though he -could hardly believe his eyes. "And it has all survived through the -ages. In addition to the gold and precious gems, those rifles and -coins will be of enormous value as relics." - -"Relics?" asked Joe. - -"Yes. They date back to the Middle Ages. You see," he went on, "the -Tuaregs have always been fond of raiding caravans and cities. Whenever -they see an opportunity to take possession of riches, they go out at -once on a raid. The treasure in this cave was undoubtedly collected -many hundreds of years ago. That is why there are guns and implements -of the seventeenth century." - -"How interesting!" exclaimed Mr. Lewis. "I suppose now you are doubly -glad we searched for this cave, because these relics will fit right in -with your work as an archæologist." - -A thorough search of the cave was made, and the explorers discovered -many other articles of great worth. - -"Now we'll carry this stuff out to the dromedaries," said Mr. Lewis. -"It isn't wise to leave it in here too long." - -They had brought several large burlap bags, and the treasure was -divided into these. There were eight of them, each filled to capacity. - -"Guess we'll have to make two trips," said Bob. "It'll be too much for -us to get it all out at once." - -"We won't mind that," smiled Mr. Lewis. "The more there is the -better." - -They carried out five of the sacks and then went back for the other -three. When finally everything had been taken from the cave, they -rested in the shade of the rocks. - -A lunch was prepared of canned food that had been taken from the -supplies. All ate heartily, their eyes remaining much of the time on -the bags of riches. - -"We may have to have more camels to get this stuff back to Wargla," -remarked Mr. Holton. "I wonder if there is a chance of buying them -from the Tuaregs?" - -"Probably is," Dr. Kirshner returned. "We'll see when we get these -riches back to camp." - -The explorers thought it best to get the bags of riches to their camp -before going to the Tuareg village for camels. Despite the fact that -the natives were friendly, they might have the desire to raid the -American expedition for their precious find. - -Camp was made several miles north of the Tuareg village. Then Bob, Dr. -Kirshner, and Joe started out to the habitation. - -"Do you think they'll let us have the camels?" Joe asked, as they -moved out of sight of their camp. - -The archæologist nodded. - -"I'm inclined to think they will," he said. "We'll pay them a good -price for the animals, in addition to rewarding them for helping get -us out of captivity." - -At last they rode into the village, to be met by the chieftain. - -Dr. Kirshner told the native that he wished several more camels, and -that he would pay a good sum for them. He finished by presenting the -man with a number of large coins, treasured so highly by Tuaregs. -These, he said, were in return for the services of him and his people -in capturing the Arabs. - -The chieftain was delighted and at once said that they could have the -camels. He walked out beyond the village to a large plain, where -several hundred _meharii_, or native dromedaries, were grazing on the -sparse vegetation. These were huge white animals, towering many inches -above the mounts of the explorers. - -The Tuareg said the Americans could have the brutes for a very nominal -sum, and Dr. Kirshner at once accepted his offer. Secretly he knew he -was getting a bargain. - -"Now to get back to camp," the scientist said, after bidding the tall -native good-bye. - -When the three Americans rode within sight of the tent, their friends -were indeed surprised at sight of the large camels. - -"You sure brought something back this time," observed Mr. Lewis. -"Never in my life have I seen camels of that size and strength." - -"Just what we need," laughed Joe. "I don't know how we could have -managed without them." - -They took it easy the remainder of that day. In the evening, Dr. -Kirshner called his friends together. - -"I make a motion that we start back to Wargla," he said. "You -naturalists have collected scores of specimens of animals, Bob and Joe -have exposed hundreds of feet of motion-picture film, and I have made -numerous archæological observations. And to cap it all, we located the -hidden treasure. If there is anything else to keep us any longer, I -don't know what it is." - -"You're right," agreed Mr. Holton. "We should be getting back home. On -the way, however, we can keep our eyes open for anything else that -might interest us." - -It was decided not to leave until after a rest of two days. The -explorers were greatly fatigued after the eventful week, and were -content to do nothing but sit idly in the tent. - -But when the morning set for their leaving arrived, they were -refreshed and ready for action. - -"We've had a big time of it here," remarked Bob. "But somehow I'm -anxious to get back home." - -After attending to last-minute preparations, the explorers got on -their dromedaries and turned the animals toward the north. - -It was slow traveling through the Ahaggars, with the numerous jagged -rocks and peaks standing in their way. They were glad indeed when -finally they reached the end of the mountain range and rode over a -rocky plain. - -"Now let's make time," said Mr. Holton. "We'll have it comparatively -easy from now on and should get to Wargla inside of a few weeks." - -"And we're likely to have many more adventures before we again see -civilization," remarked Joe. - -Notwithstanding this, the journey back to Wargla was made without -important incident, except that in a region of deep ravines Mr. -Lewis's camel missed its footing and came near plunging down a -twenty-foot crevice. - -At Wargla the explorers remained for several days, boxing and crating -their specimens and antiquities. Here Fekmah divided the treasure -among himself and his friends. They begged him to take much the -largest share, but he firmly refused. - -"If it had not been for you Americans, I would not have had any of the -hidden riches," he told them, as they sat in the station awaiting the -train to take them to the coast. - -"It was Bob who did it," said Dr. Kirshner loyally. "It was he who got -us out of captivity and brought about the success of the expedition!" - - THE END - - - - - BIBLIOGRAPHY - - - _Across the Sahara_, by Hanns Vischer--E. Arnold, London. - - _Across the Sahara by Motor Car_, by Haardt--D. Appleton Co. - - _Sands of Sahara_, by Sommerville--J. B. Lippincott. - - _Camping in the Sahara_, by Hull--Dodd, Mead & Co. - - _The Spell of Algeria and Tunisia_, by M. S. Mansfield--L. C. - Page Co. - - _Encyclopedia Britannica._ - - Wood's _Natural History_--A. L. Burt. - - _Elements of Zoölogy_, by Holder--American Book Co. (D. - Appleton.) - - _The World and Its Peoples_--The Thompson Publishing Co., St. - Louis. - - - - - * * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber's note: - -The four books in this series have been transcribed in the same -manner. This means that in some books, table of contents and or/list -of series names have been added. - -Except in cases of obvious typographical errors, archaic and -inconsistent spelling has been retained. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTURED BY THE ARABS*** - - -******* This file should be named 43267-8.txt or 43267-8.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/3/2/6/43267 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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