After the meal the explorers stretched out on the now cool sand, glad of a chance to rest their tired limbs. The constant jolting of the dromedaries had contributed much toward fatiguing them.
“Now’s the time when a coat comes in handy,” said Bob, reaching into his bag on the camel’s back.
“Wait till dawn, if you want to see real cold weather,” came from Dr. Kirshner. “Isn’t that right, Fekmah?”
The Arab nodded.
“Temperature often gets down to thirty-five degrees,” he said.
Before long the moon came out in full splendor, flooding the vast expanse with enchanting light and creating a scene beautiful beyond description. The sand looked white all about, broken only by an occasional ripple caused by the wind. The brilliant moon was surrounded by a large white circle, which seemed to throw silver darts on the dunes. In the distance were groups of luminous clouds, whose ragged edges were transparent. It was a wonderful sight, and the explorers sat for some time as though transfixed.
“Never saw anything like it in my life!” exclaimed Mr. Holton, his breath almost taken away by the magnificent spectacle.
“Wonder if we’re dreaming?” mused Joe, also fascinated.
Fekmah and Tishmak had been out to witness such a spectacle before, but seemed to think no less of it.