24. SAHARA ADVENTURE SERIES — CAVE OF HORRORS
In Algiers, Teuns Stegmann, a legionnaire, encounters the stunningly beautiful Danielle Aubert on the beach. She introduces him to her father, Colonel Philippe Aubert. They question him about the Sahara, later revealing that Teuns’s expertise is the key to an important mission. They tell him a story about Aubert's son, Felix, a pilot who disappeared in the desert during the Second World War, and whose aircraft was recently found. They believe Felix is alive and that Teuns must help them find him. The colonel compels Teuns to cooperate, promising that he has informed Teuns's commanding officer.
Teuns provisionally plays along with their plans but is suspicious of the Auberts’ true motives, especially when they reach a large Arab encampment in the desert instead of the expected aircraft wreckage. Colonel Aubert reveals a treacherous plan to sell a forgotten German weapons cache to the Arabs, led by Sheikh Hoedat, in exchange for a large sum of money. Teuns is forced to act as an interpreter but soon realises that neither Aubert nor the Arabs can afford for him to remain alive after witnessing this transaction. Consequently, he attempts to escape but is apprehended during his first effort.
In a climax of flames and violence, Teuns leads the Arabs to the hidden treasure trove of weapons. Danielle reveals that she is not Aubert’s daughter and was misled by him just as Teuns was. Together, they plan a desperate attempt first to destroy the weapons and then to escape. Will this act of sabotage be enough to save them from certain death, or is there a deeper secret hidden behind the scenes that will cast everything in a new light?
