Before them was a distant vision of white houses, of little stunted groves of trees, the masts of ships in the distance.
"It's Port Said!" Quest exclaimed.

"What the mischief--have we turned round?
Say, Professor, has your compass got the jim-jams ?" "I don't care where it is," Lenora faltered, with tears in her eyes.

"I thought Port Said was a horrible place, but just now I believe it's heaven." The Professor turned towards them and shook his head.
"Can't you see ?" he pointed out.

"It's a mirage--a desert mirage.

They are quite common at dusk." Lenora for a moment was hysterical, and even Laura gave a little sob.
Quest set his teeth and glanced at the Professor.
[Illustration: "WHILE WE ARE WAITING, LET'S GO IN AND BE SHOCKED!"] [Illustration: "YOU MUST THANK HIM FOR YOUR LIVES--THE MONGARS NEVER TAKE PRISONERS."] "Always water near where there's a mirage, isn't there, Professor ?" "That's so," the Professor agreed.