Unwilling to expose myself to such a disagreeable adventure a second time, I thought it would be preferable to dwell within the town; and therefore hired the young guide before mentioned to conduct me to the house of the Austrian Consul-General Herr von A.

Unfortunately this gentleman was not visible to such an insignificant personage as myself, and sent me word that I might come again in a few hours.

This was a true "Job's message" for me, as far as consolation went.

The heat was most oppressive; I had now entered the town for the second time, to be sent once more back to the glowing sands, with permission to "come again in a few hours." Had I not been uncommonly hardy, I should have succumbed.

But luckily I knew a method to help myself.