We reached it, grumbling, for the lion-skin was heavy, only to discover
that it was a totally different ridge. Now, after reflection and
argument, we saw our exact mistake, and made for what was obviously the
real ridge--with the same result.

We were lost in the desert!



CHAPTER IV

THE DEATH WIND

"The fact is," said Higgs presently, speaking with the air of an oracle,
"the fact is that all these accursed sand-hills are as like each other
as mummy beads on the same necklace, and therefore it is very difficult
to know them apart. Give me that water-bottle, Adams; I am as dry as a
lime-kiln."

"No," I said shortly; "you may be drier before the end."

"What do you mean? Oh! I see; but that's nonsense; those Zeus will hunt
us up, or, at the worst, we have only to wait till the sun gets out."

As he spoke, suddenly the air became filled with a curious singing sound
impossible to describe, caused as I knew, who had often heard it before,
by millions and millions of particles of sand being rubbed together. We
turned to see whence it came, and perceived, far away, rushing towards
us with extraordinary swiftness, a huge and dense cloud preceded by
isolated columns and funnels of similar clouds.