In the lone, vast deserts of Morocco, with his nearest neighbor more than thirty miles away, a contented hermit is passing his life. His house is fairly well concealed from the bands of marauding Arabs who traverse this desolate waste, so ...See moreIn the lone, vast deserts of Morocco, with his nearest neighbor more than thirty miles away, a contented hermit is passing his life. His house is fairly well concealed from the bands of marauding Arabs who traverse this desolate waste, so that he does not deem it necessary to have any connection with his neighbor, so distant, except by telephone. One night, however, a group of Arabs discovered his hut, and by means of stealth tried to gain admission, for the purpose of pilfering his house and killing him. Their plan, however, is frustrated when the hermit sees them on their approach and opens fire. By virtue of his position the latter is able to withstand the enemy, despite their number. With rifle in one band, he resorts to his telephone and attempts to notify his neighbor of his peril. The Arabs discover this means of communication with outside assistance and, one of the best shots of their number directs his aim at the telephone wire, with the result that he cuts it in two. Part of the message, however, has already been received by the friend over thirty miles away, and the hermit hopes, almost against reason, that his situation has been made clear. The friend on the other end has understood the whole matter. He realizes how dangerous and short-lived must be his efforts in keeping so large an enemy at bay. Without delay he mounts his swiftest and surest steed and heads for the scene of action. On the way a terrible sand storm blows up and the journey is of course impeded. Little did the benefactor who had pledged himself so willingly to the rescue of the hermit realize the dangers of his undertaking. While asleep, with his horse cautiously picketed near him, he is suddenly disturbed by the roar of the savage lion. He jumps up in dismay only to recognize one of these monstrous beasts about to spring at his horse. He grabs his rifle, and, without having time to aim a sure shot, kills the lion in the very act of pouncing upon his faithful beast. After encountering several similar desert terrors, the horseman finally succeeds in reaching the vicinity of his friend besieged by the Arabs. He makes his appearance in the very nick of time as the bold marauders had, by their craftiness and endurance, completely worn out the lonely hermit. His powder and ammunition was entirely exhausted. His water supply was also gone. Not one bit of food was left. There was nothing for him to do but to surrender. The presence of the friend, however, turned the tables. The Arabs, fearing a large rescue party had come, were dismayed and were driven in confusion to the outskirts of the desert. The two friends then sat down to recount to each other the details of their respective perils. Written by
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