When all were ready, the Bedouins uttered a yell, and, with their chief in advance, went tearing across the barren country.
That was a ride long to be remembered. Mile after mile was covered at high speed by the spirited horses. When the animals bearing double burdens showed signs of flagging, the Bedouins halted and our friends changed to other horses.
The sun grew hot and beat upon them with baking fierceness. The air was dry and their throats parched. The country became wilder and wilder. Once they saw another camel train in the distance.
At last they entered a hilly region, where there was more vegetation. Finally, from an elevation, they saw before them a group of black tents, not far from which, in a valley, were some herds.
Straight toward the square black tents rode the Bedouins. As they approached a number of their own people were seen waiting for them.
Buckhart was craning his neck and peering over the shoulder of his companion on horseback, hoping to obtain a glimpse of Nadia; but no female was to be seen about the encampment.
With a yell the desert Nomads swept down to the camp and leaped from their horses, which they immediately turned over to the care of other men.
Professor Gunn was exhausted, and he reeled like an intoxicated man as soon as he stood upon his feet.
Dick looked around searchingly. Ali Beha appeared before him.
“Where are our friends?” impatiently asked the boy.