I believe I should
have fallen, when I saw a plant trailing along the ground, with large
leaves, and among them a large melon-like fruit. Yes, there before me
was a water-melon! I threw myself from my horse, and eagerly taking out
my knife, cut a huge slice. Oh! how deliciously cool and refreshing it
was! I let the juice trickle over my throat and down my mouth. I felt
that I could never eat enough of it; it seemed to cool me even far more
rapidly than water would have done. I did not forget my poor steed. He
put down his head towards the fruit, part of which lay on the ground;
and he seemed to relish it quite as much as I did. Having eaten my fill
of the melon, I felt greatly relieved. My horse, too, had leisure to
devour as much as he would. After riding on a little distance, I saw
another fruit of the same appearance. I felt an inclination for a
further supply; for when once the throat has become so dry as mine was,
the sensation of thirst very quickly returns. I cut a slice, but the
first mouthful I took made me throw it from me. It was perfectly
bitter; so bitter, that even had I not tasted the previous one. I do
not think I could have eaten it. My horse also, after licking it,
refused to eat it. I tried another; that was equally bitter. I cut a
third and a fourth; they had the same unpleasant taste. My horse also
refused to touch them. I began to fancy that I had discovered the only
sweet one. Still I persevered, and soon came upon another which was as
delicious as the first. Three or four others were of the same
character. My horse eagerly devoured them. Though loaded with meat, I
could not refrain from adding several water-melons to my burden; and,
thoroughly revived, set off in good spirits towards the camp.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

ASSAILED BY FOES, BUT RESCUED BY FRIENDS--CONCLUSION.

I rode on and on, but still saw no signs of the camp. Had it not been
for the water-melons, I must inevitably have perished. Darkness came
down over the dreary waste, making it appear still more desolate. I
trusted that my steed would find his way to the camp, for I could no
longer direct him with any degree of certainty. The stars shone
brightly overhead; yet, as I did not know the exact bearings of the
camp, they would only enable me to keep a direct line, and that might
lead me far on one side or the other. Still, I should be prevented from
going round in a circle, as travellers who have lost