and took it out of my
hands to give the half of it to her dog.

It now drew near the end of October, and a single drop of rain had not
as yet fallen. My situation became every day more and more disagreeable.
I had no sort of clothing, but a piece of packcloth about my middle, and
was thus wholly abandoned to nature.--Feeling minds!--_convey yourselves
for a moment to my desert!_

The plains and valleys were entirely burnt up, and nothing remained for
the nourishment of the cattle. The season was far advanced; it was now
the month of December, a period when the rains usually were over till
the next October. For three years this bounty of heaven had been
withheld from the inhabitants of these deserts. We were now entering
upon the fourth year of drought, to be exposed to the most horrid
distress, and almost inevitable death. The desolation was become
universal, when an Arab from a distant part of the country came to
inform them, that abundant showers had covered several cantons where he
resided. Joy then succeeded to fear and distress. Every one struck his
tent, and all set out together, to seek a habitation in these newly
watered districts. This was the thirtieth time they had changed their
habitation, and renewed our fatigue in consequence; for these hordes
never remain above twelve or fifteen days in the same encampment. I was
continually employed in lifting and cleaning the tents, and had the
charge of the baggage. Often they compelled me to carry very heavy
burdens, in order to ease the camels. I was too happy when the flocks
followed in pretty good order, and did not give me the trouble of
gathering them together.

My unfortunate companions were so exhausted, that they were able to do
nothing; the consequence was, that the whole drudgery fell on me; and I
shared with them the little food which I procured, by labouring to make
myself useful; for our master gave them nothing to eat.

At length we arrived at the desired place, where I hoped soon to regain
my freedom; but my master, who had hitherto connected the most
persuasive language with the blackest treachery, ceased to dissemble
longer, and made me endure the most horrid tyranny.

We were now encamped upon a sandy soil, so very moist, that a gentle
pressure of the body made the water spring up around us in considerable
quantities. Happy would we now have been with an osier netting to lie
on, or a coarse carpet of wool, with long hair, to cover us; but these