“Caught!” he exclaimed. “Caught square!”
Four Arabs were sitting out in front, and they were on their feet instantly as their eyes fell on Bob. The latter was no more than twenty-five feet away from them, much nearer than he had expected to be.
The Arabs’ rifles were standing against the wall of rock near the cave. But before the men could get to them, Bob rushed forward. With a wild shout he kicked the rifles away and dashed into the cavern.
Startled exclamations—exclamations of joy, surprise, happiness—came to the youth’s ears, and he realized that he had at last found his father, Joe, and the others.
“Bob! You here!” cried Mr. Holton in wild excitement.
“You old rascal! I knew you’d get us out!” came from Dr. Kirshner.
But there was no time for that. Danger was at hand.
“Quick!” he commanded. “Hide. Here, take my rifle, somebody. I’ll use my pistol. There’s no time to lose!”
The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the four Arabs darted inside the cave and made for the captives and their new enemy. They would not be beaten so easily!
With a terrific crack to the chin, Bob sent the foremost Arab to the ground. The other three men were making for the prisoners in the back of the cave.