The horizon was marked by undulating hills to the west; to the
east, by sharper peaks. The scant growth was blackened or partly
covered with sand, and it fringed the distant uplands like a stubbly
beard. The little ravines were darkened with hot shadows, but the bald
slopes presented areas, shining with infinitesimal particles of quartz
and mica, to a savage sun and an almost unendurable sky. From
somewhere to the barren north the wind came like a breath of flame,
ash-laden and drying. There was nothing of the cool, damp river breeze
in this. They were in the hideous heart of the desert to whom death
was monotony, resisting foreign life, an insult.
The two in the shortening shadow of the great rock were glad of the
water-bottle. The necessity of comfortable shelter for Rachel began to
appeal urgently to Kenkenes. He put aside his dreams and thought aloud.
"What cover may I offer thy dear head this night?" he began. "We may
not return to the camp, for there of a surety they lie in wait for us.
Toora is deserted and so tempting a spot for fugitives that it will be
searched immediately. Not a hovel this side of the Nile but will be
visited. I would take thee to my father--"
"Nay," she said firmly.
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