this fact to Tarzan, for he did not wish to alarm the girl. The
ape-man drew back beside him.

"You will ride ahead with the others, Abdul," said Tarzan. "This
is my quarrel. I shall wait at the next convenient spot, and
interview these fellows."

"Then Abdul shall wait at thy side," replied the young Arab, nor
would any threats or commands move him from his decision.

"Very well, then," replied Tarzan. "Here is as good a place as we
could wish. Here are rocks at the top of this hillock. We shall
remain hidden here and give an account of ourselves to these
gentlemen when they appear."

They drew in their horses and dismounted. The others riding ahead
were already out of sight in the darkness. Beyond them shone the
lights of Bou Saada. Tarzan removed his rifle from its boot and
loosened his revolver in its holster. He ordered Abdul to withdraw
behind the rocks with the horses, so that they should be shielded
from the enemies' bullets should they fire. The young Arab
pretended to do as he was bid, but when he had fastened the two
animals securely to a low shrub he crept back to lie on his belly
a few paces behind Tarzan.

The ape-man stood erect in the middle of the road, waiting. Nor did
he have long to wait. The sound of galloping horses came suddenly
out of the darkness below him, and a moment later he discerned the
moving blotches of lighter color against the solid background of
the night.