The noon meal and rest followed, the explorers not continuing until after three o’clock.
Late that afternoon they came to one of the largest uninhabited oases that they had yet seen. It was situated snugly on a narrow stretch between high dunes.
“It’s a wonder a small town hasn’t sprung up around here,” remarked Bob, drinking greedily of the refreshing water that gushed from the large spring.
Dr. Kirshner nodded.
“With all these palm trees and the abundance of water it is surprising,” he said. “But I suppose there are so few people, even among the natives, who would live here that it wouldn’t pay.”
The containers were hurriedly filled.
“It might be well to stay here for the night,” said Fekmah. “It is getting late, and we all need sleep very bad.”
He turned to Tishmak and put the question before him in the native language.
The guide at once gave his approval, more than glad of the chance to stop.