It became sultry.
The Arabs yelled at the camels until their throats became parched, after which they were silent and a funereal quiet ensued, interrupted only by the groaning of the animals.
Two very small foxes* [* An animal smaller than our foxes, called "fennec.">[ with big ears stole by the caravan, running in an opposite direction.
The same Bedouin, who had previously conversed with Idris, spoke out again in a strange and as if not his own voice:
"This will not be a usual wind. Evil charms are pursuing us. The snake is to blame for all—"
"I know," answered Idris.
"Look! the air quivers. That does not happen in winter."
In fact the heated air began to quiver, and in consequence of an illusion of the eyes it seemed to the riders that the sands quivered. The Bedouin took his sweaty cowl from his head and said:
"The heart of the desert beats with terror."
And at this the other Bedouin, riding in the lead as a guide of the camels, turned around and began to shout: