In some places the ground was hard and brittle, while in others it was strewn with loose sand.
At last the lane stopped, and the adventurers found themselves face to face with a high hill.
“Guess we’ll have to climb it,” said Mr. Holton, looking about. “There is no other way out. The sand seems to be hard and safe enough. And it could be a great deal steeper.”
“Let dromedaries go slowly,” cautioned Fekmah. “Do not hurry them.”
They began the dangerous ascent, keeping their eyes glued to the ground. Slowly the camels trudged up, feeling their steps carefully.
They were almost to the top when suddenly the ground gave way from under Joe’s dromedary. The animal fell to its knees, struggled for a moment, and fell backward.
With a wild shout Joe plunged from the animal’s back and went rolling helplessly down the hill!