On the whole of our way we had not met with a single human being, with the exception of the horde of Bedouins whom we had found encamped in the river-bed: this was a fortunate circumstance for us, for the people whom the traveller meets during these journeys are generally unable to resist the temptation of seizing upon his goods, so that broken bones are frequently the result of such meetings.
[Illustration 4.

The Dead Sea.

ill4.jpg] The day was very hot (33 degrees Reaum).

We encamped in the hot sand on the shore, under the shelter of our parasols, and made our breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, a piece of bad bread, and some lukewarm water.

I tasted the sea-water, and found it much more bitter, salt, and pungent than any I have met with elsewhere.