“Coward!” hissed Max, through his teeth, while his eyes flashed with defiance.
“Hush, Max!” whispered Mr. Gordon. “Do as we are bidden; it will be better so.”
But all the defiance of the boy’s nature was aroused, and he turned to his father almost angrily.
“You may, dad, you have lived here so long; but I am an American, and I will not obey such a command without knowing the reason.”
“You are a fool!”
It was the chief who spoke. Max could not stand such a speech, and he rushed at the strong Arab chief, aiming a blow which, had it struck the man on the temple, might have knocked him low, for Max was an expert boxer.
The blow only struck the empty air, and Max was caught round the legs and thrown to the ground.
A cord was quickly fastened round his ankles, and he was rendered powerless.
“What have you gained?” asked the chief, with a sneer.
“A knowledge of your cowardice,” answered Max, defiantly. “Frightened of a boy less than half your age. Oh! you are a brave chief, are you not?”