They all slept the sleep of exhaustion and did not awaken as early as they had intended.
Breakfast over, Dr. Kirshner and Bob got on their camels and started for the Tuareg village. The others put in a request to go also, but the archæologist stoutly refused, saying that no time must be wasted.
“We only want to make arrangements to take these Arab crooks to an oasis and leave them,” he said. “If more of you go, it will necessarily keep us longer.”
It did not take the two long to get to the natives’ village. The chieftain at once came out to meet the newcomers, and Bob introduced Dr. Kirshner to them.
After a few casual remarks the scientist got to the point. He told the natives of his desire to banish the Arabs to an oasis, if any were near. He also asked if enough camels could be borrowed to take the crooks there.
The chieftain at once replied that he knew of an oasis a half-day’s journey from the village, and that he would gladly let them have the camels.
“Fine!” Dr. Kirshner said in the native tongue. “We’ll go there at once.”
The chieftain insisted upon leading them to the oasis, for, he said, they could not find it alone.
Dr. Kirshner consented, and the head native at once herded enough camels to take the prisoners away. Then the Americans and the Tuareg chieftain started for the explorers’ camp to get the Arabs.
“Be glad when this job’s over,” remarked Bob, as they rode toward camp. “I’m anxious to see the hidden treasure.”