here, our
troubles have multiplied."

"Never before have raiders swarmed upon us from the desert," growled
Wabiti.

"They have driven us from our caves," shrilled Vanga.

There were mutters of assent from the listeners, while Cimbula glared
silently as if planning some deadly reprisal.

Then among the growling murmurs rose the clear protesting voice of the
little maiden Veena.

"Why do you speak evil of Tahara? He fought the Arabs. He is a mighty
warrior. Even now he gathers the tribes to drive off the enemy!"

Instantly there was an uproar.

Cimbula vented a bellow of rage. The Gorols with Wabiti howled in
protest and Vanga cried sharply,

"Be still. Who asked _you_ to speak?"

"I _must_ speak. Tahara is good. He alone can save us."

"We shall see!" snarled the witch-doctor. "I, Cimbula, will drive away
the foe."

"Cimbula, hal! Cimbula!" cried the rest.

"This very night I will show you that Cimbula is mighty in magic. See,
already, the sun has set. Soon it will be dark. I will show you all
that where Tahara fails, Cimbula wins."

The witch-doctor laid violent hands on the terrified Veena and wrenched
her arms until she screamed with pain.

"You shall come with me!" he shouted. "The blood of a maiden is
required to mix the strong magic I am brewing tonight."

Veena's screams were drowned by the chanting of Wabiti's Gorols and the
shrill cries of Vanga's women.

"Take her, Cimbula! She is yours!"

"Cimbula, hal!" boomed the Gorols, and the ex-queen Vanga added: "Death
to Tahara!"

CHAPTER VI

HOT WORK

"Come on, Dan, here's where the fun begins," cried Dick Oakwood.

By the light of pitch torches he reviewed his army, the Taharans under
Raal; blond, stalwart fighters; and the Gorols, commanded by Kulki.

The Gorols were more numerous but though they were tough and wiry
fellows, they were not equal to the Taharans in size or war-like
powers. Dark-skinned and hairy, they resembled an army of giant apes
as they slouched in the ranks, while the Taharans stood proudly upright
and at their chief's signal, raised their stone weapons aloft and gave
a mighty cheer.

Dick, with Dan beside him as his chief lieutenant, gave final
instructions to his two troop leaders.

"You, Kulki, go first with your Gorols. Climb silently down the cliffs
to the south of the Big Spring where the Arabs are camped. When you
are all on the plain, light your torches, plant them in the ground
amo