THE ADVENTURES OF 



" The layers of the air," I replied, " are unequally warmed, 

 and their refraction, which causes the rays of light to deviate in 

 their course, reverses the objects which cover the plain, and, on 

 the other hand, causes them to appear more elevated than they 

 really are." 



" So we see water in a place where in reality there is none.'' 

 " You don't take the sky into account, which is reflected on 

 the ground beneath us as in a mirror. But the air is becoming 



cooler, and you will soon see the phenomenon slowly disappear, 

 as if some invisible hand was pushing the mist back towards 

 the horizon." 



Whilst we were looking down over the plateau, and watching 

 the mirage gradually fade away, a distant light suddenly shone 

 out. Loud exclamations hailed the sight of this unknown 

 bivouac ; and, fixing our eyes on it, we all formed endless con- 

 jectures. We had not expected to meet with any habitations 

 before the next day ; and the cry of " land ! " on board ship after 

 a long voyage could not have made a stronger impression than 



