“Wish we would run across a fox,” said Joe. “I’m anxious to shoot anything.”
“Probably will,” returned Bob. “I guess there are not only foxes but jackals and other small game. There should be much more here than in the sandy section.”
The party stopped at eleven o’clock for the meal and midday rest. This time the dromedaries alone were to be the guards, for they had already proved their efficiency in detecting unusual noises.
At two they were again on their way, climbing a gentle slope widespread with sharp rocks.
“Seems strange to get away from the sand dunes,” remarked Bob. “It hardly is like a desert now.”
As they passed up a rocky hill, Fekmah called a halt.
“We have come to the Tudemait Plateau,” he announced, getting out the map that he had made from memory. “That sharp peak in the distance is one of the landmarks. Now we pass through this plateau for rest of today and part of tomorrow; then come to another sandy stretch.”
“Then what?” inquired Mr. Holton.
“Get to Ahaggar Mountains,” the Arab replied. “We have to follow compass more close from now on, because must see peak called Illiman. Then we know we near treasure.”