human
We will take the captured horses! urged Raal,
gpt
Those are bold words, said Dick,
human
We will risk it,
gpt
And lose all chance of rescuing Veena? No. We must prepare for a long journey first--and at the end a hard battle.
human
How long must we wait?
gpt
Until our warriors have tamed wild horses and learned to ride them. Also we must carry food and water bags for a long trail across the desert.
human
And until then, we will know nothing of the maiden. I would rather set out alone than that.
gpt
Here is a way out. Kulki can ride better than any of the tribesmen, and has ventured farther on the desert than the rest.
human
That is true! cried Kulki.
gpt
Let me go out and rescue the maiden.
human
Not so fast. Take three of your men who can stay on horseback. Carry water and food and follow the trail of the raiders. Can you try?
gpt
We will do that, O Master!
human
Do not try to fight the Arabs, that would only put them on their guard. But find out where they are taking the captives and bring us word. Will you?
gpt
Gladly, O Master.
human
By the time you return, added Dick Oakwood,
gpt
I will have our warriors trained to ride the wild horses and to shoot arrows while they ride, yes and to throw spears from the saddle.
human
Tahara, hal!
gpt
Then we will set out and punish the raiders!
human
Tahara Rax! The axe! The axe!
gpt
But _I_ would go with Kulki. Now!
human
If you did, what would happen? You would try to fight the Arabs then and there. All would be lost.
gpt
Let me work day and night getting ready for the rescue! he exclaimed.
human
Then I will not grieve.
gpt
We will begin now,
human
You will be chief horse-breaker, Dan assured Raal.
gpt
In a week you'll be a regular Arizona bronco-buster.