The freighter in which Diana travels back to the States capsizes when a hurricane strikes along the Arabian coast, but that is the least of her problems. She is soon captured by a gang of Arab slave traders lead by the unscrupulous Ali, who is determined to get a high price for his latest acquisition.

News of Diana's ordeal reaches the Phantom, who has to battle numerous two- and four-legged threats in an effort to catch up with the slave traders and save Diana from a slow, gruelling death.

Watch out for:

Diana's first meeting with Lieutenant Byron

The Phantom lowered into a swarming ant-heap

The Phantom's meeting with the Sand Hermit and his jackals