," said Dan.
"I'd say, 'Sister get busy and tell everybody on the Oasis that we're
in danger. Load up the cabin plane with rifles and get here before
we're all killed.'"

"Listen, Dan, you're not going to get killed, and I don't like to hear
you talk that way. Snap out of it, boy! We're going to put up a fight
that will make those Arabs wish they had never bothered us."

"You can count on me," said Dan.

The Boy King shook his friend's hand and clapped him on the shoulder,
then turned away to organize his force of tribesmen. Dick summoned
Raal and ordered, "Look over all the Taharans. Pick out the best men
for tonight's attack and tell them what they are to do."

"I hear, I obey, O Tahara."

"Good. And let no man be idle. Even those who are wounded, but able
to work, must keep busy. They can make arrows and spears, for we will
need plenty of weapons."

"Yes, O Master."

Dick summoned Kulki.

"What about your Gorols? Are they all assembled?"

"Not all, Master. Some have strayed off to the woods. They are not
trained to obey like the Taharans."

"Round up all you can find," said Dick, "and make sure that only the
reliable men are chosen for the raid."

"Yes, Master."

"Send out others to collect pitchwood for torches and stones to roll
down the cliff. Every man must do something useful."

"I hear, O Tahara."

"I would speak to Wabiti, your father."

"He is not here, Master," said Kulki. "Wabiti is old and his thoughts
are not as ours. He has gone away into the woods."

"If Wabiti is up to mischief, it will go hard with him," said Dick.
"Are your brothers faithful to me?"

"I think so, Master. If I knew that one was a traitor, I would slay
him with my own hands."

There was no doubt of Kulki's loyalty. His primitive features and dark
eyes expressed the eagerness to serve the Boy King of the two tribes.

"It is well," said Dick.

"Tonight the Arabs will be driven to defeat and shameful flight before
the moon rises. Let every man be ready."

"All will be ready to die for you, O Tahara!"

Dick turned away to look after Kurt and the other wounded warriors and
found that they were being tended by old women of the tribes who were
skilled in treating cuts with medicinal leaves.

Kurul had come through with only slight scratches and was in attendance
as his body guard.

"I need no guard," said Dick. "You Kurul, take six of the fleetest
warriors and hunt in the hills for game. Bef