As the dead gazelles were not in a direction that would take the explorers off their steady course, the pack camels were driven along also.
When they reached the spot, Joe cried out in amazement at sight of the gazelles’ sleek skin. It was of a yellowish brown color, and the abdomen was as white as snow. The legs were long and thin, narrowing down to a finely shaped hoof.
“As beautiful an animal as one can find,” declared Mr. Lewis, who with Mr. Holton had been everywhere and knew what he was talking about.
“Two males and a female,” observed Bob’s father, noting the curved horns of the former.
“Look at the eyes,” said Joe. “They’re almost jet black.”
The naturalists began at once the task of removing the skins, for it was best not to leave them on too long under such a sun.
As soon as this was completed they were placed in a solution of alum that had been prepared by Dr. Kirshner under the naturalists’ directions.
“In our opinion, that’s the best preservative there is,” remarked Mr. Holton, “although there are many others in use.”
It required the better part of two hours to complete the task. The sun was just beginning to sink behind the distant mounds when they were ready to continue the journey.