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 sun rose, I sat down upon a hillock of burning sand, to be exposed to his rays for twelve everlasting hours.  Before the hour of noon arrived, my brain became heated—­I nearly lost my reason.  My vision was imperfect, or rather I saw what did not exist.  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.