ity of men, of whose advice he might avail himself; but there
was not a hut, nor a tent, nor a flock to be seen far or near.
Although fertile, the country appeared quite desolate. Some of his
slaves advised the direction along the sea-shore, because there were
imprinted the footsteps of camels and horses of earlier travellers;
others suggested, on the contrary, to advance along the river. But
Jussuf shook his head at these counsels.

"Why should we," said he, "enter in uncertainty on either of those
roads? If we proceed to the right by the sea-coast, it will lead us
too far south; if we follow the valley of the river, it will conduct
us straight to its entrance towards the north; but farther up it may
take another direction, whereby we might be enabled to continue our
route, even if it be a very winding way; or we may ascend the
mountains, which will probably be higher and steeper near the source
of the river. Our camels already throw a long shadow on the earth, and
in two hours we must select a place for repose. It is therefore more
prudent to stay here. Two roads evidently unite at this point, and
therefore it cannot be long before some one arrives from one side or
the other, who can give us the desired information. So make
preparations to pass the night here."

As he commanded, so they did. The slaves unpacked from the camels what
was necessary, and quickly erected a tent for their master of
variegated painted poles and thick silk stuffs. Then they kindled a
fire on a neighbouring spot, and made preparations for the meals of
all.

In the meantime, Jussuf wandered to the foremost height of the
mountains, towards the valley of the river, and rejoiced at the richly
blossoming flowers which seemed heaped on all the shrubs, and at the
magnificent country, and the refreshing air which floated up to him
out of the valley. As he walked carelessly along, his foot struck
against a ripe melon, which still hung fast to a withered branch.
"Well," thought he to himself, "a juicy melon is a refreshing fruit in
the heat of the day." He picked it and took it home to the encampment.
There he delivered it to a slave, and charged him to take care that it
was freed of its seeds, and brought up to his meal with the other
dishes. He then entered his tent, which had meanwhile been erected,
and stretched himself on his soft cushion, covered with costly cloths,
that he might rest awhile. He soon sank into slumber, exhausted with
the fatig