human
Who would have believed that it was so far away?
gpt
What's the matter, old sport? Dan asked anxiously.
human
Are you sick or something? Better take a sip of that precious water in the bag.
gpt
No, I'm all right, answered Dick quietly,
human
A mirage! exclaimed Dan with a catch in his voice.
gpt
So that's why we seemed to be getting farther away from that green spot all the time. But Dick, are you certain? I'd have sworn it was the real thing.
human
Say, Dick, when did you catch on?
gpt
About five minutes ago. How am I going to explain it to them? They may never have seen one and may think that it is black magic. See, the caravan has vanished, too.
human
Tell them it's Cimbula out there, said Dan with a laugh.
gpt
They'll believe that, all right.
human
Ah-woe Tahara! moaned Raal touching Dick's arm.
gpt
Look ahead. The spirit of evil has swallowed up the oasis. It is a warning, O Master. I have seen it many times before.
human
A warning, what do you mean, Raal?
gpt
Thus comes the oasis on the desert at times, leading men to destruction. Warriors depart to take possession of the new land and find themselves without food and drink. They ride around in circles in order to find the green oasis. Then at last the demons gobble them up. Did you not see the caravan disappear? It is a bad omen, so say my people.