IN DESERT AND WILDERNESS
115
Chamis appeared a little surprised. The sounds continued. After a while Idris rose and looked out of the cavern; returning, he stopped near the children, and said:
"The sands are beginning to sing."
Stas' curiosity was so aroused that he forgot that he had determined not to speak to Idris any more and asked:
"Sands? What does it mean?"
"It happens thus, and means that for a long time there will be no rain. But the heat will not distress us, since as far as Assuan we will ride only during the night."
And no more could be learned from him. Stas and Nell listened long to these peculiar sounds which continued until the sun descended in the west, after which night fell and the caravan started on its further journey.
