"Danger, yes. But not in the face of tragedy!" thought Dr. Kirshner, although he said nothing. He feared all too much that this might be the end. "Where is the next well?" asked Mr. Lewis calmly. Fekmah put the question before the guide, who replied that there was no water within a distance of fifty miles. And mountains lay directly before them, hindering travel. It might mean a several days' journey before they would come to the well, and then there was a possibility that it, also, was dry. Disaster seemed almost inevitable! "But let's hurry on," said Mr. Holton. "Perhaps if we make time we can get to it much sooner than we think." The camels were urged forward at a fast trot. But before long they were entering the mountains, and the rapid pace was necessarily slackened somewhat. During that desperate ride against time, the explorers hardly thought of the scenic wonders that lay before them. Indeed if they had not been in such anxiety, they would have seen much to interest them greatly. Tall, needle-like peaks were all about, grotesque rocks dotted the irregular plateau before them, deep gulches and ravines were everywhere. It was a wonderful view, that beheld by the adventurers, and could have been enjoyed to the fullest had they not been in such terrible plight. Luckily there was a full moon that night, lighting the vast expanse with a weird brightness. Countless stars shone down from the clear sky, appearing so close that they could seemingly be touched. "Like we're in another world," breathed Bob, as he and his chum rode rapidly at the rear of the pack camels. "Does seem strange, doesn't it? I wonder if we'll live to find the hidden riches?" "Of course we will." Bob cheered his friend as best he could, and himself felt much the better for it. Luck was with them that night. The plateau remained open and free from peaks and rocky crags that would have delayed progress. It was, however, very unlevel, and the dromedaries often found it necessary to slow down to a difficult walk. It was very late when they finally halted and made camp under the beautiful mountain sky. After a brief supper, at which almost the last drop of water was used, they fell asleep, not to awaken until the sun was well up in the sky the next morning. "You know," remarked Fekmah, "it seems strange that that well was dry. I been thinking about it since we left it behind. Tishmak too thinks it strange." "Why?" questioned Mr. Lewis, sensing that something was in the wind. "Because," Fekmah said gravely, "it a large well, and should not go dry much easy. Tishmak think it been covered up." There were exclamations of surprise from the Americans. "You mean," began Mr. Holton, beginning to catch the point, "that someone did it to keep us from continuing the journey?" "Yes. I think it might have been the two thieves who stole my map. They did it to keep us away from hidden treasure."