It was not many moments before all the party were in a proper mood for the siesta, which seems so necessary in warm climates, and before either was aware of the fact, all three were sleeping soundly.
How long this state of happy unconsciousness lasted no one could say; but all were awakened at the same instant by a repetition of the horrible groaning which had so disturbed and frightened them on the previous night.
As if electrified by one common current, the little party sprang to their feet, and it is no stretch of the imagination to say that Vance’s teeth were actually chattering from fear.
“We shall be able to learn what it is this time,” Ned said in a whisper as he stepped cautiously toward the flap of the tent.
“That is, if it’s anything which can be seen,” Roy replied gravely, for he was beginning to share his cousin’s views as to the supernatural causes of the blood-curdling sounds.
“Now don’t get as foolish as Vance,” Ned said sharply, and it is just possible the reproof aided him in controlling his own fears, for even the boldest could not but have been affected in some degree by the groans which appeared to come from the immediate vicinity of the tent.
Cautiously the boy who had been marooned stepped from the camp and looked around.
The sun was beating down upon the glistening sands with quite as much fervor as he had shown at noon-day, and yet not an animate object was within sight.
It would have been impossible for the smallest animal to have moved within the boy’s range of vision and escaped his observation.
But even as he gazed around him the terrible noise was repeated.