Meanwhile a struggle was taking place at the rear of the cave.
Joe in particular attracted Bob’s attention. The former youth was grappling with a large, powerful fellow, who was vainly trying to choke his young enemy.
“Joe’s sure a fighter,” remarked Bob, as he and his father looked on for a moment.
“We had better help him, though,” Mr. Holton said. “Come on.”
But a second later they saw that this would be unnecessary, for Joe had suddenly jerked away and sent his fist with all force into the Arab’s jaw, knocking him out.
“Great work!” commended Mr. Holton. “That fellow was dangerous.”
The two remaining Arabs saw that they had no chance against so many, and they surrendered without a struggle.
“Now tell us all about it,” urged Dr. Kirshner, speaking to Bob. “We want to know how you managed to engage the aid of these Tuaregs.”
Briefly the youth outlined his adventures since escaping from the Arabs the day before. He told of climbing to the top of the peak, of saving the Tuareg chieftain from death, and of getting the paper of Tuareg words.