And--beyond the wady--" "Ah, you see them, too ?" The major's glass, held unsteadily in his unbandaged hand, was now fixed on the indicated spot, as was "Captain Alden's." "I see them," the Master answered.

"And the green flag--the flag of the Prophet--" "The flag, _oui, mon capitaine!_ There are many men, but--" "But what, Lieutenant ?" "Ah, do you not see?
No horses.

No camels.

That means their oasis is not far.

That means they are not traveling.