In a few hours they succeeded in sheltering it from the rays of the sun.

The ships of the port, rich in canvas, furnished the necessary accessories for a colossal tent.

Soon an immense sky of cloth was spread over the calcined plain, and defended it against the heat of the day.

There 300,000 persons stood and braved a stifling temperature for several hours whilst awaiting the Frenchman's arrival.

Of that crowd of spectators one-third alone could see and hear; a second third saw badly, and did not hear.