Mr. Lewis rode back to the boys.
“Have to be careful here,” he warned. “It’s rather steep near the top. Don’t let your mounts get out of control.”
The next instant he was on his way back to the front of the caravan.
The climb was hard and not a little dangerous, but the sure-footed dromedaries did not even threaten to slip.
They had barely reached the top when a cry of delight from Joe mingled with the scarcely less emotional exclamations of the others at sight of a small oasis not far away down the opposite slope. A number of tall date palms towered above the green grassy area, an indication that water was to be had for the taking.
“Hurrah!” cried Bob. “Water at last!”
“And if I’m not mistaken, we’ll find dates there, too,” put in Joe.
“You’re right,” affirmed Mr. Lewis, coming up from the side. “And this seems to be a good spot to stop for the noon meal. We’ll have it shady this afternoon when we take our midday rest.”
Nearer and nearer they were coming to the oasis, when suddenly, from behind a low dune of sand, appeared a small caravan of Arabs—possibly bandits.