could see progress being made.
That very day he might be able to rescue Veena from the scoundrels who
had captured her.

Then a voice came to the leaders across the water and sounded a
warning: "Patience, patience, my people! Too much haste now, means
delay in the end."

"There goes Old Whiskers again," exclaimed Dan. "Maybe we are
disturbing his meditations by going fast."

The Hindu's voice sounded as distinctly in their ears as though he were
alongside.

"Not so fast Dick Sahib. Let your men rest on their paddles. I have
much to say to you."

"Oh shucks!" Dan growled. "We were winning the race. Now the old
gazabo wants us to fall to the rear."

But Mutaba had heard his master's command and the order was given.
Soon the Hindu's canoe was side by side with the one carrying Dan and
Dick.

Mahatma Sikandar spoke through his screen of leaves.

"Bad news, Dick Sahib and for you, too, Dan Sahib, the crystal ball
brings evil tidings."

"What's up now?" blurted Dan.

"Were you really crystal gazing in the canoe? And did you see
something that concerns us?" demanded Dick.

"I saw clearly what I saw only dimly before," answered the Hindu
gravely. "The captives held in the same camp with Veena; one is a man,
gray bearded and full of years. That is your father, Dick Sahib."

"Dick's father? Why how did Professor Oakwood get down here in the
jungle?" Dan was incredulous.

"He was lured from the oasis by a trick. And he was not taken alone.
A young girl is also kept for ransom."

"A girl? Who can it be?" cried Dan as the truth began to dawn upon him.

"Already you guess who it is, Dan Sahib, and your suspicions are
correct. The girl who is captured is young and beautiful with dark
eyes and curly black hair. She is brave, although her case is
desperate, and she calls upon you for help. She is your sister, Dan
Sahib!"

CHAPTER X

WAR CANOES

Ray Carter a captive!

This terrible news stunned the two boys for an instant, then spurred
them to furious action. Their canoe drove forward. Soon the Mahatma's
boat was left far behind.

Now they felt that not a moment must be lost. To think of Dan's lovely
sister in the grip of those savage and brutal men, made them wild with
the resolve to fight for her freedom.

It was bad enough to know that Dick's father was held for ransom, but
Ray was in ten times as much danger. She was so sweet and pretty in
her gay, jaunty way, that the mere thou