Still, it is not so overwhelmingly wearisome as might be supposed.

In the morning you may watch the vast lakes, with their rugged promontories and well-wooded banks, which the mirage creates for your amusement.

Then during the course of the day there are always one or two trifling incidents which arouse you for a little from your somnolence.

Now you descry a couple of horsemen on the distant horizon, and watch them as they approach; and when they come alongside you may have a talk with them if you know the language or have an interpreter; or you may amuse yourself with a little pantomime, if articulate speech is impossible.

Now you encounter a long train of camels marching along with solemn, stately step, and speculate as to the contents of the big packages with which they are laden.