victory.

The rising sun showed Taharans and Gorols in fantastic array beside the
Big Spring. They were dressed in such parts of the Arab garb as they
had captured, and carried what weapons had been found on the
battlefield.

A dozen guns and horses were among the loot, also ammunition, daggers
and swords. Even a camel had been taken, but it was lame from a shot,
and was promptly butchered for a feast.

While they were all enjoying a hot meal that morning, Dick explained to
the natives who had captured the guns, how to use them, but the
old-fashioned fire-arms were not of much value except to the Arabs who
were used to them.

After breakfast, he showed the most intelligent of the tribesmen how to
ride the captured horses. They were fearless fellows and managed to
stay on, somehow, and Kulki, who was one of the best men of the tribe,
showed promise of becoming an expert horseman in short order.

"Wait until we round up the wild horses and break them!" said Dan.
"Then you will see some fun."

Dick explained to Raal, who was keen to learn the new sport, the
principles of taming and riding unbroken horses and the Taharan chief
was eager to begin.

With a deep bow he begged Dick to accept an Arab gun he had captured
and declared that when his tribe had learned to ride the wild horses,
they would all set out to find the Arabs and raid them in turn.

Suddenly they were interrupted. Queen Vanga came to them, weeping and
tearing her hair.

"Cimbula is gone!" she cried. "Where is Cimbula?"

Dan laughed.

"Your boy-friend was taken by the Arabs," he said. "You'll never see
him again."

"I hope not," said Dick.

"The Arabs will put him on the chain gang," chuckled Dan.

"Never!" cried the old queen when Dan's remark was explained to her.
"Cimbula works strong magic. If he is taken by the Arabs, Cimbula will
become their chief."

"There may be something in that," said Dan. "The witch-doctor is
clever enough to get out of any kind of a scrape."

Vanga began weeping afresh.

"Why the water-works now?" asked Dan.

Raal questioned her and his face grew red with fury.

"Veena has been stolen," he cried. "The girl with Cimbula was the
Princess Veena."

Dan felt his heart stand still. The pretty little maiden, a prisoner
of the Arabs! She was fond of him and while he did not love her, he
resolved that she must be rescued.

"Let me have a horse," cried Raal. "I will catch up with the Arabs and
bri