“Say, wouldn’t we make money as lecturers? You should go as the great Persian pasha, warranted genuine; while I would introduce you——”

“Boys, there is a mystery here,” said Sherif el Habib, coming up at the time; “and if I were your age——”

“So you are, pasha,” said Max.

“Yes, my boy, and older. But if I were young I would find a way to solve the mystery.”

“May we try it?”

“Yes; and may Allah and the Prophet guide you.”

“But what says Girzilla?” asked Max.

“She is willing,” responded Sherif, solemnly.

CHAPTER XIII.
DANGEROUS JESTS.

Sherif el Habib, having chosen a camping ground in the oasis, and being supplied with provisions enough for several months, agreed to wait for the return of the young explorers.