It is a disconsolate place, believed to be the abode of devils and other damned spirits.

Now, as they were riding over this desert, picking their way among the boulders at the discretion of their animals, it so happened that Richard and Jehane were in front by some forty paces.

Riding so, presently Jehane gave a short gasping cry, and almost fell off her horse.

She pointed with her hand, and 'Look, look, look!' she said in a dry whisper.

There at a little distance from them was a leper, who sat scratching himself on a rock.
'Ride on, ride on, my heart,' said Richard; but she, 'No, no, he is coming.