"Those fellows would think nothing of killing all of us," said Mr. Lewis gravely. "So we want to be ready for anything that might happen." As the Arabs came nearer, their leader shouted something to Tishmak, whose jaw dropped in surprise and astonishment. Tishmak turned to Fekmah and conversed rapidly. Then Fekmah translated to the Americans. "They want two of our camels," he said nervously. Dr. Kirshner gasped in amazement. "Want two of _our_ camels?" he cried, his voice indicating a high state of anger. "What for?" demanded Bob. "They say theirs are too much loaded," Fekmah answered. "Want to spread out packs on more camels." "Well, of all the nerve!" exclaimed Mr. Holton. "Tell them to get out of here--and get out quick, or we'll fill them full of holes!" Fekmah turned to the Arabs and put Mr. Holton's command before them. Then an answer came. "They say they go, but we will be sorry," interpreted Fekmah, as the men turned their camels in the opposite direction. A moment later they disappeared behind a low dune, leaving a cloud of dust at their heels. For a moment there was silence among the explorers. Then Mr. Lewis spoke up. "I don't like this," he said, greatly annoyed. "Those men are likely to slip up on us when we're not expecting them. And such desperate characters would lose no time in shooting us." "But what can we do?" questioned Bob. "Keep on the lookout is all," returned Mr. Holton. "But I'd feel much safer if this hadn't happened." The explorers rode on into the oasis and dismounted. It seemed pleasing to see green trees and grass again. They were delighted that good fortune had enabled them to find an oasis at a time when it was wise to stop for a meal and rest. There was good water not far away, and they drank all they wanted, glad of the chance to quench their rapidly overpowering thirst. "Now," began Mr. Holton, "we're going to have something to eat. But first let's put up the tents. It isn't wise to be in such a sun as this." The bags of supplies were removed from the camels. Then the tents were taken out and put up by Bob and Joe. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton got out the food and soon laid out a delicious meal of canned goods and native products. "Eat all you want, but don't gorge yourselves," cautioned Mr. Holton, as they sat about the tent. "There's plenty of stuff, but still we must be careful. If we're to be gone any length of time, we'll have to use our provisions sparingly." They ate quietly, taking it easy in the shade of the tent. The heat of the fierce African sun was somewhat abated by the heavy canvas, which would also serve as a shelter from sand storms, should any come up. When the meal was over, they sat for a few minutes talking. Then Fekmah got up and went over to the corner of the tent. "Let us sleep for two or three hours," he said, curling up on the soft soil. "The sun will soon get so hot that we cannot travel without making sick."