In a short time the explorers were in the seats, and Joe, who had asked to drive, began the task of starting the engine. It finally responded to the sluggish self-starter.
“Now let’s hurry and get back to Algiers,” urged Mr. Holton. “We don’t want to be out after dark, for there’s no telling how good these lights are.”
During the next half-hour Joe pulled the throttle as far down as possible, and then complained because he could only do forty-five. However, it was not long before they saw the lights of Algiers in the distance.
“Now to get something to eat,” said Mr. Holton, sitting up in the seat in anticipation. “It will be good to see the old hotel again, won’t it?”
“Sure will,” replied Bob. “I’ll bet Dr. Kirshner expected us long before this.”
“He’s probably conversing with Fekmah,” was the opinion expressed by Mr. Lewis. “You know,” he went on, “that Arab is a strange contrast to these worthless fellows around here. It all goes to show what anyone can do if he wants to.”
“He’s educated, too, isn’t he?” inquired Joe.
“Yes, highly,” the naturalist replied. “Was graduated from the University of Algiers and received a degree. What he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing.”
“Where is his home?” asked Bob. “He doesn’t live in Algiers, does he?”
“No. He lives in Oran; that’s about a hundred and twenty-five miles or so west of here. Quite a prosperous city, I guess.”