The boy's only weapon was a flint knife, and that was almost useless in fighting a foe armed with a razor-edged sword.
Dan gave a despairing shout for help as he saw Dick Oakwood galloping toward him, and dodged the blow of the scimiter, missing it by such a close margin that the steel whizzed past his ear with a swishing sound.
"Attaboy, Dan!"
At Dick's cry of encouragement, Dan saw the Arab suddenly reel back in the saddle, fling up both arms and slump to the ground in a heap. Dick had no weapon but the rope, but he had learned to use the lariat as well as any cowboy.
The loop had dropped over the Bedouin's body, and as Dick wheeled his horse the Arab was dragged from the saddle and pulled across the desert until he was stunned and helpless.
At this, Dan let out a great shout of relief.
"Hooray, Dick! Fine work!" and he started hot-foot for safety, helping the wounded Kurt as best he could.
They were far from safe, however, for though the two Arabs were disposed of, there were others who had seen what was going on and were heading that way.
Dick rode up to his friends and bending low in the saddle, he seized Kurt under the arms.
"Help me give him a lift, Dan," he cried, and the next moment Kurt was lifted bodily upon the horse ahead of Dick, while the latter directed his friend: