Fekmah turned to the Arabs and put Mr. Holton’s command before them. Then an answer came.
“They say they go, but we will be sorry,” interpreted Fekmah, as the men turned their camels in the opposite direction.
A moment later they disappeared behind a low dune, leaving a cloud of dust at their heels.
For a moment there was silence among the explorers. Then Mr. Lewis spoke up.
“I don’t like this,” he said, greatly annoyed. “Those men are likely to slip up on us when we’re not expecting them. And such desperate characters would lose no time in shooting us.”
“But what can we do?” questioned Bob.
“Keep on the lookout is all,” returned Mr. Holton. “But I’d feel much safer if this hadn’t happened.”
The explorers rode on into the oasis and dismounted. It seemed pleasing to see green trees and grass again. They were delighted that good fortune had enabled them to find an oasis at a time when it was wise to stop for a meal and rest.
There was good water not far away, and they drank all they wanted, glad of the chance to quench their rapidly overpowering thirst.