
CHAPTER I Followed by Rascals
CHAPTER II Scoundrels at Work
CHAPTER III A Villainous Deed
CHAPTER IV Lured to Danger
CHAPTER V A Fight for Freedom
CHAPTER VI Through Unknown Forests
CHAPTER VII Good News
CHAPTER VIII Off for the Sahara
CHAPTER IX Across the Desert
CHAPTER X Questionable Strangers
A bright‑sunlit steamer carries a group of eager American adventurers toward the bustling ports of North Africa. On deck, youthful Joe and Bob swap stories of deserts, ancient ruins, and the thrill of discovery, while seasoned mentors—an archaeologist, a seasoned explorer, and their fathers—listen with amused caution. Their excitement builds as the Mediterranean fades behind them and the promise of Algiers, a city where Arab and European cultures intertwine, comes into view.
Yet an uneasy feeling lingers: two silent Arab men watch the newcomers with intent eyes, hinting at hidden motives. When the group learns of a whispered legend about a buried treasure deep in the Sahara, the expedition shifts from casual curiosity to a cautious quest. As the steamer moors and the desert looms, the travelers must decide whether the allure of ancient riches outweighs the subtle threats gathering on the horizon.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (273K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-07-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Best known for fast-moving adventure stories for young readers, this early 20th-century writer sent his characters into the Andes, Brazil, and other far-flung settings. His books mix exploration, danger, and the kind of cliffhanger energy that made old-school juvenile fiction so popular.
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