He had then dispatched native canoe-men to Muley-Hassan and apprised
him of the coming of the boys, and Diego had been at once sent out
by the Arab to secure possession of the map if possible and, failing
that, to destroy the boys' canoes. That the aeroplane would also
have been put out of commission there is little doubt, if Diego or
Wiseman could have found an opportunity. The brutal Arab could then
have disposed of the expedition at his leisure. But the Golden
Eagle II was too closely guarded for the two spies to be able to
harm it.

The Kroomen porters attached to the camp had, as old Sikaso had
forecast, fled into the jungle at the first attack of the Arab's
followers and they did not put in an appearance till long after the
marauders had left the camp.

But what puzzled the boys, as they stood facing the Arab with
Professor Wiseman's scream still ringing in their ears, was "What
had become of the old warrior."

He could not have turned traitor. His valiant behavior in the
skirmish made that impossible to consider a minute. But it was
equally certain that he was nowhere to be seen. What could have
become of him? A dread that he was dead oppressed both boys as they
stood there waiting for the Arab to speak.

Muley-Hassan seemed to be considering.

He twisted the ends of his jet-black mustaches like a man lost in
thought, and the firelight playing on his bold reckless features