As soon as the morning meal was over, the tent and provisions were packed back on the dromedaries, and the explorers continued their journey. "How much ground did we probably cover yesterday?" asked Dr. Kirshner of Fekmah, as they followed a narrow way between the rolling sand dunes. "At least a hundred miles," the Arab answered. "Perhaps many more. Dromedaries trot rather rapid." "Then, at that rate, it shouldn't take us so very long to reach the Ahaggaras, should it?" asked Joe, who with Bob had not yet taken his place at the end of the caravan. "No. But something could keep us back. Maybe storm, or could be bandits. Never know about that." As the explorers moved on, they occasionally saw small animals and birds. The naturalists were constantly on the lookout, shooting any creature that came within range of their guns. Among the victims of their marksmanship were desert larks, rats, hares, lizards, and a small animal called the ferrec. Bob and Joe kept their time occupied in taking motion pictures of the country they were passing through. By the time that their caravan had stopped for the midday meal, the boys had "rolled off" a good many hundred feet of film. "Here's hoping our moving pictures here prove to be as successful as those that we took in Brazil," said Joe, as he took out a bag of rations from a camel's pack. "If they do, the Neuman Film Corporation may give us a job on every future expedition we might make with our dads," came from Bob. Thus far the day's traveling had not yet brought them to an oasis. Tishmak informed them that water would probably not be found until late the next night. The containers, however, held a large supply, making it unnecessary for the explorers to worry. "It's a good thing the dromedaries don't need it often," said Mr. Lewis, as he went about preparing the meal. "Four or five days is often enough for them," put in Mr. Holton. "They can go much longer than that, but it isn't wise to risk it." It was about eleven o'clock, the time advisable to begin the usual afternoon rest. Bob and Joe were glad of the chance to escape the heat of the fierce sun. Even in the morning it was too hot for comfort, although nothing compared to the baking atmosphere of the afternoon. The youths were tanned so dark as to resemble Arabs. "Funny," smiled Joe. "Back in the United States we fellows wanted to get burned by the sun. Here we try to keep out from under it." "All goes to prove that circumstances alter cases," laughed Dr. Kirshner. The tent was again pitched, and the meal eaten. This time, however, water was used sparingly. The adventurers did not wish to run the risk of getting dangerously short. It was thought best to set a guard again while the others slept or idly rested on the cool sand. Mr. Holton took the job, sitting in the shade of the tent facing the resting dromedaries. "Chances are nothing will turn up, though," he said, and proved to be right.