The whole party stopped short. Before them was a distant vision of white houses, of little stunted groves of trees, the masts of ships in the distance.
“It’s Port Said!” Quest exclaimed. “What the mischief—have we turned round? Say, Professor, has your compass got the jim-jams?”
“I don’t care where it is,” Lenora faltered, with tears in her eyes. “I thought Port Said was a horrible place, but just now I believe it’s heaven.”
The Professor turned towards them and shook his head.
“Can’t you see?” he pointed out. “It’s a mirage—a desert mirage. They are quite common at dusk.”
Lenora for a moment was hysterical, and even Laura gave a little sob. Quest set his teeth and glanced at the Professor.
“WHILE WE ARE WAITING, LET’S GO IN AND BE SHOCKED!”
“YOU MUST THANK HIM FOR YOUR LIVES—THE MONGARS NEVER TAKE PRISONERS.”