"With all these palm trees and the abundance of water it is surprising," he said. "But I suppose there are so few people, even among the natives, who would live here that it wouldn't pay." The containers were hurriedly filled. "It might be well to stay here for the night," said Fekmah. "It is getting late, and we all need sleep very bad." He turned to Tishmak and put the question before him in the native language. The guide at once gave his approval, more than glad of the chance to stop. "He say he wanted to stay here for night, but thought we in big hurry," Fekmah told the Americans. "We are," returned Mr. Holton. "But here is a very good place to camp, and I think we'd better take advantage of the opportunity." The tent and provisions were unpacked from the camels, which seemed more than glad of the chance to relax. "Funny," remarked Mr. Lewis, "that camels don't care to lie in the shade when there is an opportunity. You would think the terrible sun would be avoided as much as possible, but that is not the case." "Either they like the heat or they are too lazy to move," said Joe. For some time the two youths sat with their elders. Then Bob got up and stretched. "Suppose you and I get on our dromedaries and ride over to that distant hill," he said to Joe, pointing away to the horizon. "I'd like to see what's beyond there. This seems to be very high ground, and we might get a view of the distant mountains from the top of that dune." "Be sure and take your rifles, boys," warned Mr. Lewis. "And don't stay too long." The boys slung their guns over their shoulders and rode off, waving to their friends. The hill that Bob referred to was at least a mile away, and the ground on the way was of loose sand. The boys urged their mounts to trot faster, however, and they would probably cover the distance in a very short time. "I wonder if we could get a glimpse of the Ahaggar Mountains?" said Joe. "Might. But you must remember that we are still a great distance away." As the boys had expected, they came to the hill in but a few minutes. It was very high and steep, but the soil was hard. The dromedaries had no difficulty in climbing steadily up. At last they came to the top and gazed out into the distance. "Look!" cried Joe. "The mountains! We can see them!" Sure enough, the Ahaggar range was visible, stretching miles and miles to either side. A few sharp peaks protruded high above the others, but for the most part the line of mountains was rather regular. "Suppose that high peak is Illiman?" asked Joe, pointing to a high crag that towered above the other mountains. "You mean the one Fekmah was talking about? It might be. He would know if he saw it, I suppose. And of course Tishmak would." The youths spent nearly a half-hour peering out at the mountains, greatly impressed by the wonderful view. "How far away do you suppose they are?" questioned Joe.