for the second trip.
And Dick could trust him to protect the cave-dwellers in his absence.

"Say Dick, I'm sure glad we got a few good horses out of that Arab
raid. At least you and I and Raal will be looked after. What will the
others do? Walk?"

"Of course not! What did I have you break in those small wild horses
for if it wasn't for just such an occasion? Saddle your horses, men,
and get ready!"

The warriors whooped with delight as they ran toward the enclosure
where the horses were held. They were pleased at the chance to use
their new saddles.

"Say Dick, what would a western cowboy say about these saddles? They
make their silver trimmed affairs seem very plain. Look at Raal's
saddle, it is covered with golden disks. Some class!"

The warriors shouted and screamed with laughter as they caught the wild
horses and bridled them. It was a new game. They liked it.

"Those boys seem to think this is a big picnic they are going on,"
remarked Dan Carter. "Why don't you tell them it's a serious business?"

"What's the use?" replied Dick. "Let them get what fun they can out of
the start. Besides I hope we can settle this without a fight."

"For a king who was going to have nothing but peace in his country, you
have certainly managed to put up some pretty stiff scraps," teased Dan.

"Never mind that," replied Dick with a laugh. "I'll get around to that
some day. Just now we've got to undo a great wrong."

"Oh, yes! You've got to fight for peace. I see! All right then, come
along, I'm with you. But are you sure we'll be able to carry enough
food?"

"You can take as much as you can carry on the back of your saddle.
Besides it wouldn't hurt you to go hungry for a while," said Dick.

"Oh, is that so!" snapped Dan impatiently. The good-natured Dan was
rarely cross and then only for a second. His fact cleared suddenly and
he said, "Tough luck! I suppose I'll have to stand it. Come on!"

It was a strange looking army that rode out of the land of the
Taharans. Dick, Dan and Raal were riding ahead on their Arab horses
and the rest of the tribesmen were mounted on the small wild horses
that Dick and Dan had trained to the saddle. Although these animals
were small they were almost as fleet as the large horses and could
stand the heat of the desert much better.

The Boy King looked back with pride as he saw his warriors riding so
well.

"There is no limit to what I may be able to do with these