At his words, all fell silent, thinking gloomy thoughts. Finally Dick said:
"Here is a way out. Kulki can ride better than any of the tribesmen, and has ventured farther on the desert than the rest."
"That is true!" cried Kulki. "Let me go out and rescue the maiden."
"Not so fast. Take three of your men who can stay on horseback. Carry water and food and follow the trail of the raiders. Can you try?"
"We will do that, O Master!"
"Do not try to fight the Arabs, that would only put them on their guard. But find out where they are taking the captives and bring us word. Will you?"
"Gladly, O Master."
"By the time you return," added Dick Oakwood, "I will have our warriors trained to ride the wild horses and to shoot arrows while they ride, yes and to throw spears from the saddle."
"Tahara, hal!"
"Then we will set out and punish the raiders!"