“Probably Arabs,” pronounced Fekmah, after Tishmak had chattered rapidly for a moment. “They nomads, who wander about the desert taking their flock of goats with them.”
“Suppose we go over and see them,” suggested Mr. Holton. “Perhaps they can give us a description of the country ahead of us. There may be many more wells than we think, and it will do us no harm to know of them.”
The others were in favor of carrying out Mr. Holton’s move. But Fekmah warned them to be on the lookout for treachery.
“They probably not do us harm, but can never tell,” he said, as the dromedaries were turned in the direction of the tents.
They reached the encampment in a very short time and were about to look up some of the Arabs when a savage growl made them wheel around in surprise and fear.
“Look!” cried Joe, laying his hand on his rifle.
Two large, savage dogs were making toward them with all fury, showing their terrible teeth in anger. The enraged creatures were probably owned by the Arabs in the tents and were acting as guards against all marauders.
The foremost dog was almost upon Mr. Lewis’s camel. In another moment the beast would sink its teeth in the dromedary’s throat.
Displaying the quickness of a cat, the naturalist unslung his rifle, took hasty aim, and fired.