Finally they came to the well that Mr. Holton had told about. There was a steady flow of water, which was comparatively cool.
“Drink all you want,” said Dr. Kirshner. “Tishmak says we won’t see another for a long time.”
The explorers drank and drank, until they could hold no more. Then they began the task of replenishing the tanks. But as little had been taken out, this was finished in a very few minutes.
“Now let’s get on,” urged Mr. Lewis. “We want to cover a good many more miles yet before we stop for the noon meal.”
Another hour brought them again to a region of hard soil, and the dromedaries increased their pace several miles per hour.
“Wish it would stay like this all the way,” said Joe, noting that ground was being covered much faster.
“Won’t though. But we’ll have stretches of it here and there.”
As the minutes passed, the glare from the sand became more intense, and the temperature went steadily up. The boys had dark-colored glasses but hesitated to put them on so soon.
“Wouldn’t a good cold drink come in fine now?” asked Bob, keeping his hands off his canteen with difficulty.