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[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.