Then a voice came to the leaders across the water and sounded a warning: "Patience, patience, my people! Too much haste now, means delay in the end."
"There goes Old Whiskers again," exclaimed Dan. "Maybe we are disturbing his meditations by going fast."
The Hindu's voice sounded as distinctly in their ears as though he were alongside.
"Not so fast Dick Sahib. Let your men rest on their paddles. I have much to say to you."
"Oh shucks!" Dan growled. "We were winning the race. Now the old gazabo wants us to fall to the rear."
But Mutaba had heard his master's command and the order was given. Soon the Hindu's canoe was side by side with the one carrying Dan and Dick.
Mahatma Sikandar spoke through his screen of leaves.
"Bad news, Dick Sahib and for you, too, Dan Sahib, the crystal ball brings evil tidings."
"What's up now?" blurted Dan.
"Were you really crystal gazing in the canoe? And did you see something that concerns us?" demanded Dick.