, zig-zagging to avoid the
tribesmen who yelled and waved their arms at it. The animal was trying
to reach the spring, for it was eager for water after the long trip.

In desperation Dan dragged his wounded comrade back of a small boulder
and took up his position beside him. His bow was already sending a
swift arrow at the foremost rider when a yell behind him caused him to
look over his shoulder.

Dick Oakwood had seen the danger that his friends were in and acted
promptly. He had snatched a coiled rope, carried by one of the
tribesmen, and now ran toward the riderless horse, loosening the loop
as he ran. Then as the animal swerved and passed, not far away, Dick
whirled the lariat, sent it flying and braced himself for the shock.

It was a good throw.

The loop settled around the animal's neck and as Dick put his weight
against it the noose tightened and the horse came down, half choked and
terrified.

Before the animal could scramble to its feet, Dick was in the saddle,
loosening the lariat and seizing the reins. A moment later with a new
rider on its back, the Arab horse was heading back to where Dan and
Kurt were standing off the Bedouin attackers.

CHAPTER IV

THE BATTLE RAGES

"Hold 'em, Dan, I'm with you!"

Dan heard the cry, and at the same moment saw one of his attackers drop
with an arrow through the chest.

Dick Oakwood was at home in the saddle and now he drove furiously at
the remaining Arab, who was almost on top of Dan with scimiter upraised
ready to deliver a fatal blow.

Dan reached for an arrow. But his quiver was empty!

The boy's only weapon was a flint knife, and that was almost useless in
fighting a foe armed with a razor-edged sword.

Dan gave a despairing shout for help as he saw Dick Oakwood galloping
toward him, and dodged the blow of the scimiter, missing it by such a
close margin that the steel whizzed past his ear with a swishing sound.

"Attaboy, Dan!"

At Dick's cry of encouragement, Dan saw the Arab suddenly reel back in
the saddle, fling up both arms and slump to the ground in a heap. Dick
had no weapon but the rope, but he had learned to use the lariat as
well as any cowboy.

The loop had dropped over the Bedouin's body, and as Dick wheeled his
horse the Arab was dragged from the saddle and pulled across the desert
until he was stunned and helpless.

At this, Dan let out a great shout of relief.

"Hooray, Dick! Fine work!" and he started hot-foot fo