Winged Raiders of the Desert Read Online Free Page B

admit, they know how to do a good thing with this here sheep. Although I'd sure like to have a good hamburger!”
    On the third day, Josh had a council with the Seven. “I think we've got to do something,” he said. They were all sitting inside one of the large black tents on rich and luxurious rugs that covered the sand. They were really comfortable, and it was a great deal like camping out every night.
    â€œWhat do you mean, Josh—‘do something?’” Sarah inquired.
    â€œI've been waiting for Goél to appear and give us some kind of directions—”
    â€œThat's what I say!” Jake broke in. “And until he does, we better not try anything.”
    â€œI don't agree with that,” Dave Cooper broke in. He was lounged back, tall, athletic, and handsome, but nowhe came to a sitting position. “We've got to do something! Why, we might stay here for a year!”
    â€œThat's right,” Wash said. “Now that we're here, I say let's do something.” He looked at Josh and asked, “What?”
    Josh was irritated. “How should I know, Wash? All I know is that we've got to do something.”
    Sarah said, “I know one thing we need to do and that's to see if we're really fitted for long travel. If we do have to make any long trips, I'm not sure how we'd take it.”
    Josh smiled at her. “That's right, Sarah. I'll tell you what—I'll ask Abdul if we can make a trek. Just to see how we'd do in the desert.”
    â€œWell, I hope we go on horses instead of camels,” Reb complained. “I can't get a handle on those hairy critters!"
    But Reb didn't get his wish.
    Abdul agreed at once to lead the Sleepers on a “maneuver,” as Josh called it, and the next morning they started out early. All morning long they bucked the heavy winds that whipped across the desert. They never quite got used to those winds, which blew constantly—sometimes softly, sometimes enough to almost tear away their clothes, but always blowing.
    They traveled all day and then reached a pleasant oasis with palm trees and bubbling springs.
    That night around the campfire Abdul entertained them with stories about his people. They had a long and honorable history. But finally he shook his head, saying, “We were a great people until the Winged Raiders came. Since then we've been like no more than frightened sheep.”
    â€œWhere do they come from? Who are they?” Sarah asked.
    Abdul picked up a stick and began to draw in the sand at his feet. “No one knows. They appeared when I was a boy, and they've been growing stronger ever since.”
    â€œI'd like to see one of them critters,” Reb said. “Can't imagine a man being able to fly. They must not be men at all,” he said. “I think they must be a cross between a bird and an ape of some kind.”
    They went to sleep rolled in their blankets and the next morning went across the desert again. The sand dunes rolled, white sand almost blinded them at times, and the wind blew. It was about ten o'clock in the morning when Abdul suddenly drew his camel to a halt. “Look there!” he cried out.
    Josh, who was right behind him, pulled his camel to one side. They were in a part of the desert that formed a deep depression. At the bottom of it lay a camp by a stream. Tents dotted the sand, and Abdul said, “That is one of the neighboring tribes. They are friendly. Come, and we will let you meet them.”
    He started down the slope, slipping and sliding, for it was very steep. Bob Lee held on to his camel, leaning back as he would on a bronc.
    But Abigail was nearly shaken off and was whimpering with fear by the time they had reached the bottom. “I want off of this thing!” she cried out.
    â€œIt'll be all right,” Wash said. “Just hang on, Abbey. We'll be—” he broke off and suddenly looked up. “What's that?”
    The Sleepers, caught by his