Inside of ten minutes Dr. Kirshner was back with three native policemen, who handled the crooks roughly. Each man was handcuffed and made to walk in front of the officers. "Now," said Dr. Kirshner, "suppose we get back to the hotel room. Our prolonged absence has probably caused a great deal of anxiety among our friends." "Yes," Bob returned. "We----" He stopped suddenly and then dashed into the next room for the crook whom he had previously knocked out. But he was not surprised to find the man gone. An opened door revealed that he had escaped. "No use looking for him," the youth thought, as he retraced his footsteps back to his companions. Bob was forced to explain to Dr. Kirshner, who was puzzled at the youth's sudden dashing away. When he had finished, the scientist regarded him admiringly but warned him against taking unnecessary chances. "Those fellows would think nothing of stabbing you to death," he said, shaking his head gravely. They went on up the street and arrived in a short time at the hotel in which were their friends. Up at Fekmah's room they were given a hearty welcome. "What kept you so long?" asked Mr. Holton, seeing at a glance that something was wrong. Dr. Kirshner related the details of the previous happenings, laying stress on the pluck and bravery of Bob. The naturalists and Joe listened closely, eager to get an account of everything. They did not seem unduly surprised, for at the start they felt that something was wrong. But that their friends would be in such grave danger was not in the least anticipated. "It's lucky that you're here to tell it," said Mr. Lewis, with a shaking of his head. "Such desperate characters know nothing else but to rob and kill." "But as it is," smiled Joe, "you came out all right, and had an unusual experience at that." Secretly he was sorry he had not taken part in it. "And that is the second time Bob brought in criminals," said Mr. Lewis, recalling an incident that happened the summer before. "I'd rather you wouldn't take such risks, though," urged Mr. Holton. "If one taxes good fortune too much, he is sure to come to a tragic end some time." There was a short silence. Then Joe ventured to touch upon the matter that concerned them before the abrupt interruption of a short time ago. "What will be our next move?" he inquired. "Hmm," hesitated Dr. Kirshner, "that is hard to say at present. I suppose, though, that the logical thing to do is wait and take a train to Wargla as soon as possible. When the track will be cleared is hard to say. It might be a day, or it might be several. I can see no other way of getting to Wargla, can you, Fekmah?" "No," replied the Arab. "Of course there are good roads part of way, and might ride automobile some of way, but train could get there sooner, even if we wait."