Now, as they continued farther toward the barren mountains, they began to realize what thirst really meant. As Tishmak had told them, no well would be reached until late the next afternoon, and their water containers were none too full. Their throats were parched, and their tongues began to feel numb. The fierce sun seemed all the hotter, greatly stimulating thirst. All through that day they rode onward, the Ahaggars gradually becoming nearer. It was late that night when they finally stopped and camped in a wild region of large red rocks. The next day their thirst became almost overpowering, even though they did not exercise. It seemed that they could stand it no longer, but they rode continually on toward the well that was located at the foot of the mountains. The noon meal was almost without water. They did, however, sip a small amount of the precious fluid. "Oh, if we could only drink all we want!" groaned Joe, hesitating to eat the beans that had been prepared. "Everything is so dry without water." But although the explorers were extremely anxious to come to the well, they gave full consideration to the midday rest. It would have meant destruction to ride under that terrible desert sun. "Before long we'll come to the well," said Fekmah, as they prepared to continue the journey. "In an hour it be seen." "And how glad we'll be," muttered Bob, anticipating the pleasure of drinking a large quantity of the refreshing fluid. The hour passed slowly. They were looking about now, searching among the many huge rocks. Suddenly Tishmak halted abruptly, and the expression of hope that had been on his face changed to one of fear. He motioned for the others to move on up to where he was. No translation of his excited words was necessary to the Americans. They understood his anxiety. The well was dry! For a moment the explorers sank back, and fear--stark fear--seized them. Thoughts of disaster haunted their stricken brains--stories of how large trading caravans had been brought to a tragic end because of no water. It was torture unthinkable! "And after all this waiting," groaned Bob, his hope almost gone. The others were equally touched. Now that they had met with defeat, they felt at a loss to know how to carry on. As a last resort Tishmak had fallen into a convulsion of motions asking Allah that they might be delivered from the jaws of death. His enthusiasm grew more intense with every moment, becoming almost disgusting to the others. Even Fekmah, although he was a devout believer in Mohammedanism, thought the actions of his fellow countryman detestable. "Come, now," urged Dr. Kirshner, using his knowledge of the native language to console Tishmak. "We'll come out all right. This isn't the only jam we've been in." The guide finally became his natural self, although still a bit panicky. "You'd think after all the expeditions he's led into the Sahara he would be calm in the face of danger," remarked Bob.