"Yes, I've known that to occur before with shallow ponds," said Raymond. "I've heard the passage of the Red Sea by the Israelites and the drowning of Pharaoh's Army explained in the same way. It's said that the crossing really took place at one extremity of the Bitter Lake through which the Suez Canal passes."
Major Norton was staring at the far end of the tank now left bare.
"There may be some interesting insects stranded on the bottom uncovered by the receding water," he said, abstractedly, and was moving away to search for them when Wargrave said disgustedly:
"Don't you think, sir, that, as Mrs. Norton has had such a shock, the sooner we get off the better?"
"Yes, yes. Very true. But you can order the camels to be saddled while I'm having a look," replied the enthusiastic collector. "I really must go and see. There may be some very interesting specimens there."
And he hurried away. His wife smiled rather bitterly as he went. Then she turned to the two subalterns.
"But tell me what happened? How did the mugger come here? How was I saved?"
Raymond rapidly narrated what had taken place. Violet looked at Wargrave with glistening eyes and held out her hands to him.
"So you saved my life. How can I thank you?" she said gratefully. Her lips trembled a little.
Frank took her hands in his but answered lightly: