tradistinction to our long pipes of peace left behind in our diabeheehs; and we are off.

What a scene we leave behind: the ground is covered with our baggage-the fire in which our omelette was prepared, is flickering out; a few Bedouins run from their work to warm their hands from time to time at its last embers. The camels are wandering forward-those that are ready, and those that are loading as usual groaning horridly. It is nearly dark-the first gleam of sunrise is just apparent over the distant mountains.

At about half-past six the sun rises; it then becomes deliciously cool, and of all atmospheres the pleasantest I know. Presently our dragoman approached us, having stayed behind to give his last orders. He gallops merrily up in his usual good humour, for he always looks on the bright side of all

things. Our sheik rides in advance, the small tent for the servants swinging half on each side of him; and we are in fine marching order.

In a few hours our Shakspeare readings are over, we relapse into silence, as we ride. along under the burning sun, my head protected by an enormous turban, and the ladies sheltering themselves under whitecovered umbrellas. Thus we proceed till mid-day; perhaps without adventure or incident, till the word is given to ride forward, and prepare luncheon. Some palmtree, favourable for our purpose is soon found, and in a few minutes we are seated in our little tent, on mattresses and rugs, while our unloaded camels are browsing about. Daireh brings out his meal of partridges, his biscuits, and all sorts of good things, not forgetting delicious lemonade,

and excellent ale, to which we do full

justice.

After luncheon, we often had visits of Nubian children, if we were near the river, or a Bedouin encampment in the desert, accompanied by their timid mammas, in all the beauty of youth, and the elegance of nature; and the little creatures used to come and play with us, without the slightest shyness, notwithstanding that ours were the first European costumes they had ever beheld, and evinced as eager a disposition for Cairo biscuits and white sugar as the best educated English children could have displayed.

At about two o'clock, the caravan passes in front of our tent, Abbas sitting on his gay rug, smoking his pipe, advances for his orders, respecting our next halt. These having been fully explained, we presently behold them crossing the mirage, which, in

the distance, makes them appear as if they

were walking on water.

Some of the Bedouins are sleeping on the camels with the lighter loads, and some hallooing with all their might to make the imperturbable beasts jog along quicker. Presently all assume the appearance of spots, as they disappear in the horizon.

At four o'clock, having had three or four hours' rest, we are again on our way. The sun is hotter between three and four than at any other portion of the day. We are, of course, sufficiently delighted when, towards seven, we are in sight of our tents, probably on a bank near the river, with a beautiful prospect of blue rocks and luxuriant grass, which cannot fail of looking pleasant after the desert all day. Possibly, however, the encampment may be in the midst of some arid plain, or under some sterile rocks; but

wherever we may be, there is our home. The Bedouins are walking about, or are lying here and there quietly smoking. Our servants are cooking our desert dinnereverlasting Irish stews, and never-ending soupe à la Julienne. Appetite, however,

seasons the humblest meal; and, therefore, it was seldom that either soup or stew was neglected. Indeed, to say nothing more than the truth, on many occasions, the novelty of the scene, the sense of adventure, and the fatigue of the day's journey, lent such a relish to our unpretending cuisine, that we enjoyed ourselves a great deal more than it is probable we should have done, had we dined at the best-arranged table in Belgravia.

After dinner, appeared journals, books, and dried flowers; these, with stuffing birds, and a little social conversation, filled up the