178 TRAVELS IN THE 
now summoned all my resolution, and determined to make 
another effort to prolong my existence. And as the evening was 
somewhat cool, I resolved to travel as far as my limbs would 
carry me, in hopes of reaching (my only resource) a water- 
ing-place. With this view, I put the bridle on my horse, 
and driving him before me, went slowly along for about an 
hour, when I perceived some lightning from the north-east; a 
most delightful sight; for it promised rain. The darkness and 
lightning increased very rapidly ; and in less than an hour I 
heard the wind roaring among the bushes. I had already opened 
my mouth to receive the refreshing drops which I expected ; 
but I was instantly covered with a cloud of sand, driven with 
Such force by the wind as to give a very disagreeable sensation 
to my face and arms ; and I was obliged to mount my horse, 
and stop under a bush, to prevent being suffocated. The sand 
continued to fly in amazing quantities for near an hour, after 
which I again set forward, and ti'avelled with difficulty, until 
ten o'clock. About this time I was agreeably surprised by 
some very vivid flashes of lightning, followed by a few heavy 
drops of rain. In a little time the sand ceased to fly, and I 
alighted, and spread out all my clean clothes to collect the rain, 
which at length I saw would certainly fall. For more than an 
hour it rained plentifully, and I quenched my thirst, by wring- 
ing and sucking my clothes. 
There being no moon, it was remarkably dark, so that I was 
obliged to lead my horse, and direct my way by the compass, 
which the lightning enabled me to observe. In this manner I 
travelled, with tolerable expedition, until past midnight ; when. 
