I imagined that I had only been permitted to outlive the whole, that my
death might be even more terrible. But my wife and children rushed to my
memory, and I resolved for their sakes to save, if possible, a life
which had no other ties to bind it to this earth. I tore off a piece of
my turban, and cleansing the sand out of my bleeding nostrils, walked
over the field of death.

Between the different hillocks I found several camels, which had not
been covered. Perceiving a water-skin, I rushed to it, that I might
quench my raging thirst; but the contents had been dried up--not a drop
remained. I found another, but I had no better success. I then
determined to open one of the bodies of the camels, and obtain the water
which it might still have remaining in its stomach. This I effected, and
having quenched my thirst--to which even the heated element which I
poured down, seemed delicious--I hastened to open the remainder of the
animals before putrefaction should take place, and collect the scanty
supplies in the water-skins. I procured more than half a skin of water,
and then returned to my own camel, which I had lain down beside of,
during the simoom. I sat on the body of the animal, and reflected upon
the best method of proceeding. I knew that I was but one day's journey
from the springs; but how little chance had I of reaching them! I also
knew the direction which I must take. The day had nearly closed, and I
resolved to make the attempt.

As the sun disappeared, I rose, and with the skin of water on my back
proceeded on my hopeless journey. I walked the whole of that night, and,
by break of day, I imagined that I must have made about half the
progress of a caravan; I had, therefore, still a day to pass in the
desert, without any protection from the consuming heat, and then another
night of toil. Although I had sufficient water, I had no food. When the