A few minutes later they lugged their possessions out on deck. And they were none too soon, for it was scarcely ten minutes later that the lights of land became visible--dimly, of course, but they were there. "At last," sighed Mr. Holton, who, although he enjoyed the long voyage, was anxious to reach his destination. Although land was a great distance away, the adventurers went to the prow to catch a first glimpse of that mysterious country on which they would soon set foot. Bob and Joe watched closely as the myriad of lights grew more plain. A stronger beam flashed from the Cape Matifou lighthouse, and numerous lights from ships in and about the harbor were also visible. No more could be seen. But it was enough. Bob and Joe were convinced that Algiers was a charming city indeed. "How large a place is it?" asked Joe, as the _Sylvania_ neared the port. "About two hundred and fifty thousand," returned Mr. Holton. "And all different races, from Americans to Turks and Jews. Oh, we'll see sights all right." Gradually the boat pulled into the harbor, reversed her engines, and stopped at a large dock. Then among lights the gangplank was lowered, and the boys and their elders soon found themselves among the many hurrying passengers. Lights were everywhere, almost as numerous as in an American city, and they had no trouble in finding their way to a hotel. "Oh, by the way," exclaimed Joe with a sudden recollection, "what became of your friend the Arab--the one who knows about the hidden treasure?" "He's at another hotel," replied Dr. Kirshner. "I have his address on paper. We'll go over there in the morning. He had already made reservations at this hostelry or would have put up with us." The remainder of that evening was spent quietly, for the explorers were tired after the long journey on the _Sylvania_. Bob and Joe were up early the next morning, and after a small but satisfying breakfast they started out for a short walk. But they had scarcely covered a square when Joe, who had happened to glance back, stopped suddenly and nudged his friend. Bob looked, and an answering expression of surprise and anger came on his face. Walking slowly into the hotel were the two Arabs who had acted so suspiciously on the ship. CHAPTER II Scoundrels at Work "What do you suppose they want?" asked Joe, as the youths followed the movements of the Arabs. "They're not there for any good," returned Bob, a look of anger, and at the same time anxiety, on his face. "Probably want to find that map that tells of the hidden treasure. Oh, of course it could be a coincidence that they picked the same hotel that we did, but it isn't likely." The boys watched the suspicious characters until they disappeared into the hotel. Then Joe suggested that they cautiously follow. "All right," Bob agreed. "But we must be careful and not get too close. They might have guns and think nothing of using them, and they could probably get away in this country."