Fekmah had made arrangements for a mule cart to take their belongings to the spot where the dromedaries were grazing. Bob and Joe had scarcely got the last of their bags down when it arrived, driven by a short, fat native who looked to be a cross between an Arab and a Negro. The paraphernalia was placed in the wagon. Fekmah climbed up with the driver to direct him to the camels. "Guess we've attended to everything," said Dr. Kirshner. "Let's get started. It's a good ten-minute walk." When they reached the place they found Fekmah and Tishmak awaiting them. The packs had been strapped on the dromedaries' backs, and the ropes had been harnessed from the back of one animal to the head of another, keeping them in single file. "Well, let's go," urged Mr. Holton, after one more glance to make sure that everything was in preparation for the long desert journey. The explorers got astride the ponderous humps, and then, while the master of camels gave them a cheery farewell, they moved out for the unknown. The great desert journey had begun. CHAPTER X Questionable Strangers Before long the little town of Wargla vanished from the horizon, and a sense of dread crept over Bob and Joe at the thought that they were now shut off completely from the outside world. What tragedies might befall them before they would again see the United States? There were all sorts of dangers out on that vast stretch of wasteland. Would their lives be threatened--and possibly lost? Bob glanced back and saw the worried look on his chum's face. That Joe's thoughts had been the same as his was evident. "Snap out of it, Joe, old man!" he said, rousing himself. "Think of the fun we'll have. And the strange sights we'll see. It'll be great. And behind it all lies adventure." Joe nodded. His face took on a smile as he anticipated the coming events. "Wonder what adventures we'll have?" he mused. "But I suppose we'll soon see." The boys were at the end of the little caravan, keeping an eye on the pack camels. Although ropes had been fastened from the back of one animal to the head of another, keeping them in single file, it was best to guard them closely, for anything might happen on the desert. Tishmak, acting as the guide, was in the lead, followed by Dr. Kirshner and the youths' fathers. Fekmah was in the middle of the line. The twenty dromedaries were spread out over perhaps a quarter of a mile and trotted at a speed that promised to cover many miles in a short time. "I guess dromedaries don't compare with camels when it comes to fast traveling," remarked Joe, recalling something that Fekmah had said some time before. "The one-hump animal makes four times as much speed." In the early morning, as it was, the atmosphere was chilly. Bob and Joe welcomed the warmth of their tight-fitting coats. "I never thought I'd need a wrap on the desert," smiled Bob, fastening the collar around his neck.