But all these fine prospects were a poor compensation for what I underwent: I was scorched by the sun, which was insufferably hot, and my feet were bleeding from the sharp points of the rocks which cut through my boots like razors.

At length coming to a stone wall I flung myself down under it, and almost thought that I should give up the ghost.

After some time, however, I recovered, and getting up tried to find my way out of the anialwch.

Sheer good fortune caused me to stumble upon a path, by following which I came to a lone farm-house, where a good-natured woman gave me certain directions by means of which I at last got out of the hot stony wilderness, for such it was, upon a smooth royal road.
"Trust me again taking any short cuts," said I, "after the specimen I have just had." This, however, I had frequently said before, and have said since after taking short cuts--and probably shall often say again before I come to my great journey's end.
I turned to the east which I knew to be my proper direction, and being now on smooth ground put my legs to their best speed.

The road by a rapid descent conducted me to a beautiful valley with a small town at its southern end.