Then he relieved his feelings by
objurgating the panic-stricken Somalis, whose superstitious minds
interpreted the appearance of the air-borne host as a sure indication
of war. He was in the midst of an eloquent outburst when his employer
summoned him.
"How far is it to the next oasis?" came the dreaded query.
Abdur Kad'r, shrewd judge of men, knew that he must be explicit.
"Sixty kilometers, honored one," he replied.
"What! Nearly forty English miles?"
"It may be so, Effendi. In our reckoning it is twenty kos and one kos
is three kilometers."
"But these Italians--in the mirage--they must be camped near water?"
"There is none nearer than the Well of Suleiman, Effendi."
"Is it possible that a mirage would reveal so clearly a scene taking
place at such a distance?"
"Strange things happen in the desert, Effendi. I have seen a village in
the sky which my camels were four hours in reaching, and I have been
told of sights even more wonderful."
"You are sure about the sixty kilometers?"
"Quite sure, O worthy of honor.
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