“Tuaregs!” exclaimed Dr. Kirshner, who had made a study of the peoples in the Sahara. “Tuaregs at last!”
He rode out from behind the place of hiding and shouted a friendly greeting in their own language. The people at once called back and moved on up to the archæologist.
“Guess we might as well go out,” smiled Mr. Holton, urging his camel to move forward.
Soon the others joined Dr. Kirshner, who seemed to be having no trouble in understanding the people.
“They live in the Ahaggars,” explained the archæologist, after a few minutes of conversing with them. “They’re on their way north to In Salah. That’s a town of considerable importance.”
The natives did not stop long, and the American expedition was also anxious to be going.
“I didn’t know Tuaregs were found this far north,” said Mr. Lewis, as the people disappeared from view. “Their home is in the lower Ahaggars, and they seldom ever, if what I’ve heard is true, wander far away.”
The explorers stopped before noon for the meal and rest. Then, at two o’clock, they continued on their way, anxious to leave the plateau behind.
Suddenly, as they gradually ascended a long grade, an agile form darted out to one side of Bob’s dromedary, its red coat showing brightly in the sunlight.
“A fox!” Bob exclaimed and raised his rifle to his shoulder.