Frequently, these rest-period discussions turned on the question of what should be done if they failed to intercept the raiders and effect Bob’s rescue, as well as on what plan to follow if the small raiding party joined hands with a larger Athensian force. Mr. Hampton was of the opinion that the latter contingency was quite likely to arise. Apparently, secure in their sense of isolation, the Athensians had not maintained outer guards of their mountain land at the time Professor Souchard first arrived at Korakum. Otherwise, it would not have been possible for him to escape. But that now such a guard was maintained seemed to Mr. Hampton more than likely. Against this assumption, however, Jack argued with great good sense that Amrath would have been aware of such a guard, and would not have advised them to attempt to enter Korakum and seek out his comrades had a guard existed. The only plan they could reach for use in case of attack by superior number was to compel the camels to kneel in a circle and from the interior of such a fort of living flesh put up the best fight possible. With their repeating rifles and plenty of ammunition, it was possible they could inflict such damage as to compel the withdrawal of the enemy. If not, well—— “If old Bob has got to go, I’d just as soon go with him,” said Frank. Jack nodded solemnly. As for the Arabs, said Ali: “When we die in battle, we are sure of Paradise. The Prophet so promised.” In case they failed to intercept the raiders and rescue Bob, Mr. Hampton planned to hunt out first the Korakum exiles whose names had been given him by Amrath, and whom he took to be leaders of the revolutionaries. It was possibly that they could be induced to aid in some plan for stealing Bob from Athensi before the holding of the Sacrificial Games, which Amrath had said were six weeks away. Failing to gain such aid, Mr. Hampton believed it possible the exiles might at least supply information which would enable them alone to penetrate the enemy’s stronghold and try to rescue Bob. For to this course, Jack and Frank had declared openly they would commit themselves, come what would. And Mr. Hampton knew it was useless to try to dissuade them. Both were of age and, although guided by him ordinarily, in this matter they would act as they saw fit. Either they would rescue Bob or die in the attempt. The bond of union between the three inseparables was so sure and firm that Mr. Hampton would not attempt to go against it, even though it might mean the loss of his own son. As a matter of fact, he himself was equally determined to go the limit in attempting to rescue Bob.