"Say," whispered Dan to his chum, "I'm not sure I want Old Whiskers along. He's something of a frost. I don't like him."
But Dick was giving orders to Raal, who joyously set his men to saddling their horses.
"Let's get ready," he said. "We've got a big job ahead of us, if Mahatma Sikandar knows what he's talking about."
"Okay!" answered Dan Carter. "I'm ready and waiting! Come on!"
CHAPTER IX
THE BAD NEWS BREAKS
"Let's go!" said Dick.
"We're on our way," Dan replied with a smile on his round face. "Oh boy!" he added, "what a relief to have a good square meal under my belt again. Honest, Dick, that trek across the desert was terrible! When I tightened my belt, my stomach was so empty that I could feel my belt buckle digging into my backbone."
Dick smiled. He knew that Dan was a good sport and chock full of courage in spite of his constant interest in food.