A TERRIBLE DISAPPOINTMENT. 341 



I collected all the remains of my strength; for a moment 

 I forgot my past sufferings, and I ran forward, at every 

 step exclaiming joyfully, " Water ! water ! water ! " 



On approaching the point which had attracted my 

 attention, I could make out clearly the position of several 

 mounds or knolls, at whose base the character of the 

 ground gave me every reason to hope I should find a 

 stream of running water. 



I had not then deceived myself; my hopes were about 

 to be realized ; the spring which should cool my burning 

 lips was no longer a delusion. 



An hour's walking was sufficient to bring me to the 

 nearest hillock : it was covered with shrubs and bushes, 

 and at its base I perceived a shining surface which, 

 mirror-like, reflected the rays of the sun. 



It was a tiny brook ! 



I flung aside my rifle, that I might run more quickly, 

 and dashed headlong like a madman towards the longed- 

 for water. I leaped into the current, and repeatedly 

 plunged my head into it up to my shoulders. 



Horror ! the water was as salt as that of the sea ! 



At this frightful discovery the blood rushed to my 

 head; a vertigo seized me; I lost all sensation; and fell 

 prostrate upon the ground ! 



* Vc * -* * 



How long I remained in this position I am wholly un- 

 able to say; but I was aroused at length from my swoon 

 by the freshness of the water in which a part of my body 

 was immersed. On recovering my senses, I felt much 

 calmer than I had felt for days; my mind was clearer, 

 and yet my hopes were crushed. At least, I thought so, 

 and the certainty restored all my presence of mind. 



