eir shoulders, and every one took the route
along the coast. Notwithstanding it was nearly seven o'clock, the sand
was quite burning, and we suffered severely, walking without shoes,
having lost them whilst landing. As soon as we arrived on the shore, we
went to walk on the wet sand, to cool us a little. Thus we travelled
during all the night, without encountering any thing but shells, which
wounded our feet.

On the morning of the 9th, we saw an antelope on the top of a little
hill, which instantly disappeared, before we had time to shoot it. The
Desert seemed to our view one immense plain of sand, on which was seen
not one blade of verdure. However, we still found water by digging in
the sand. In the forenoon, two officers of marine complained that our
family incommoded the progress of the caravan. It is true, the females
and the children could not walk so quickly as the men. We walked as fast
as it was possible for us, nevertheless, we often fell behind, which
obliged them to halt till we came up. These officers, joined with other
individuals, considered among themselves whether they would wait for us,
or abandon us in the Desert. I will be bold to say, however, that but
few were of the latter opinion. My father being informed of what was
plotting against us, stepped up to the chiefs of the conspiracy, and
reproached them in the bitterest terms for their selfishness and
brutality. The dispute waxed hot. Those who were desirous of leaving us
drew their swords, and my father put his hand upon a poignard, with
which he had provided himself on quitting the frigate. At this scene,
we threw ourselves in between them, conjuring him rather to remain in
the Desert with his family, than seek the assistance of those who were,
perhaps, less humane than the Moors themselves. Several people took our
part, particularly M. Begnere, captain of infantry, who quieted the
dispute by saying to his soldiers. "My friends, you are Frenchmen, and I
have the honour of being your commander; let us never abandon an
unfortunate family in the Desert, so long as we are able to be of use to
them." This brief, but energetic speech, caused those to blush who
wished to leave us. All then joined with the old captain, saying they
would not leave us on condition we would walk quicker. M. Begnere and
his soldiers replied, they did not wish to impose conditions on those to
whom they were desirous of doing a favour; and the unfortunate family of
Picard were