All around wore the aspect of death.

The few figures in sight seemed staggering towards the grave, and the houses appeared to be plague-stricken like the inhabitants.

The heat was intolerably oppressive, and the air tainted with noisome exhalations.

Ever and anon, a window would be opened, and a ghastly face thrust from it, while a piercing shriek, or lamentable cry, was uttered.

No business seemed going on--there were no passengers--no vehicles in the streets.