At one time lakes of
water presented themselves to my eager eyes; and so certain was I of
their existence, that I rose and staggered till I was exhausted in
pursuit of them. At another, I beheld trees at a distance, and could see
the acacias waving in the breeze; I hastened to throw myself under their
shade, and arrived at some small shrub, which had thus been magnified.
So was I tormented and deceived during the whole of that dreadful day,
which still haunts me in my dreams. At last the night closed in, and the
stars as they lighted up, warned me that I might continue my journey. I
drank plentifully from my water-skin, and recommenced my solitary way. I
followed the track marked out by the bones of camels and horses of
former caravans which had perished in the desert, and when the day
dawned, I perceived the castle of Akaba at a short distance. Inspired
with new life, I threw away the water-skin, redoubled my speed, and in
half an hour had thrown myself down by the side of the fountain from
which I had previously imbibed large draughts of the refreshing fluid.
What happiness was then mine! How heavenly, to lay under the shade,
breathing the cool air, listening to the warbling of the birds, and
inhaling the perfume of the flowers, which luxuriated on that delightful
spot! After an hour I stripped, bathed myself, and, taking another
draught of water, fell into a sound sleep.
I awoke refreshed, but suffering under the cravings of hunger, which now
assailed me.
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