“This time it’s a question of what we have to do,” he said dryly. “If the blackness increases, it will be suicide to plunge through it with so many rocks and walls of stone near.”
The boys and Mr. Holton rode on up to the front of the caravan, where Tishmak and Fekmah were visibly moved with fear.
The darkness was becoming more intense with every minute. Soon the explorers could not see one another.
“It might be well to get off our dromedaries,” suggested Mr. Lewis. “If this is to continue long, it won’t pay to remain mounted.”
“This is likely to mean a loss of several hours,” said Fekmah gravely. “Then again, the fog of dust might pass away in but few minutes.”
“Worst thing about it is the difficulty to breathe,” pointed out Dr. Kirshner. “Tragedy has been known to come upon caravans in this manner.”
It was indeed stifling, but the adventurers managed to get air through the dust. They feared every minute that time would bring about an impossibility to breathe.
Much to their relief, that dread moment did not come, and after a half-hour the blackness gradually thinned out until it again became light.
“Thank goodness!” breathed Mr. Lewis. “Now let’s get on our way again.”
Still more the country was changing. The rocks became more jagged, taking on many shapes and forms. Small trees and plants became more abundant, causing the region to resemble certain areas of the American desert. And along with this plant life came numerous traces of wild animals.