Before they could defend themselves, however, the on-comers struck them heavily, and knocked the detectives into the pool.
Too late the Bradys realized that the negro had been decoying them purposely to that dangerous place.
For, the moment they fell into the pool, they sank in the sand.
Trying to scramble to their feet, the Bradys found their legs going down in the treacherous sand rapidly.
Then the truth flashed across their minds, and Harry cried:
"By Heavens, they've thrown us into a bed of quick-sand!"
"Try to reach the shore—quick!" panted Old King Brady.
They made the most desperate efforts, but only floundered around helplessly, and each moment got caught more firmly in the deadly sand.
CHAPTER XII.
AN UNEXPECTED FRIEND.