In
plain English, Mr. Royson, we are drifting, in the vain hope that
somewhere out there we shall find five hills in a clump. I don't
object, in a sense. It is a very delightful picnic from one point of
view. But I hate uncertainty, and I loathe deceit, and here we are at
the mercy of both, while my grandfather is so taken up with the joy of
arranging everything, which von Kerber very cleverly leaves to him,
that he simply won't listen to me when I suggest the need of more
definite information. And just think of it! Five Hills! With a rocky
desert in front and five thousand hills to the left. What is to be the
end of it all? Are we to go wandering on till we march into Suez, or
Cairo?"
"Our sheikh is a marvel at finding oases," said Dick. "I wonder if
there is a string of them all the way between here and--"
"Mr. Royson," broke in Irene, "you are the only person' to whom I can
confide my doubts and fears. They may be silly, but please don't adopt
that tone. It--hurts."
Royson, who had dismounted, slipped his Arab's bridle under an arm and
strode a pace nearer.
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