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A GLORIOUS FOREST. 49
The summits of the high dunes were now bathed in the
strong and brilhant hues of the setting sun, and under its
vivid purples and reds they resembled a gigantic lava-
stream. It was in their cruel arms that my faithful ser-
vants and patient uncomplaining camels lay dead, having
perished for want of water ! It was live years since that
happened and their corpses were long ago engulfed by the
sand in its pitiless march across the desert. When twi-
light spread its mantle over the scene of these painful
memories, I fancied I could see shadowy spectres gliding
between the sand hills, threatening vengeance upon me,
the involuntary cause of all their suffering and torment.
But the sun is sinking, and it is time to be moving again.
On the other side of the mountain the descent was excep-
tionally steep, leading down over a continuous succession
of rocky crags ; but down them we must go at all costs.
It was a wonder we did get down, however ; but, some-
how, we slipped, we stumbled, we staggered down the
rugged slopes. Then sitting down we slid bodily into the
hollows to the no little damage of our nether garments
and our skin. I had the advantage of " sledging " last,
so that I could not be killed by the stones which the others
sent flying with their heels. Fortunately, however, my
companions managed to reach the gentler slopes at the
foot of the mountain with unbroken crowns and without
serious hurt.
Then we set off upon what appeared to be a never ending
tramp towards our camp by the river side. It was already
night. I had instructed Islam Bai when evening came
to light a fire on a crag at the northern end of the mountain.
Hour passed after hour, and still we looked in vain for
our welcome beacon-light. Unaccustomed to forced
marches of this description, I had to stop and rest after
every 2,000 paces—I was counting our steps with the
object of calculating the distance. And how I did look
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