There can be but one end to the race, and this is in plain view.
John keeps his wits about him.

If caught upon the open by the rushing column of fierce desert warriors, a desperate engagement must ensue, which will doubtless end in their complete annihilation, for it can hardly be expected that Sir Lionel will be able to play his great game twice on the same night.
The Englishman has maintained a stolid silence all this while.

Perhaps he is out of humor at the change in the arrangements, and fears lest, after all his hard work, the young Chicagoan may carry off the palm.
Past experience has been of that order.
Hence he moves without much animation.

There seems to be a fatality about the sudden appearance of Doctor Chicago on the scene.
Meanwhile John Craig is not bothering his head about the small side-issues connected with the matter, which will work out their own final adjustment.

He is more concerned regarding their escape from the threatening doom that seems ready to ingulf them.
Something must be done, that is certain, beyond all peradventure, and John quickly grasps the situation.