ADVENTURE OF DR. BARTH. 
157 
unable to move. For twenty-four liours lie had 
remained in the same position, perfectly exhausted 
with heat and fatigue. Our fires had not been un- 
marked by him, but they only served to show that 
we were doing- our best to find him. He could not 
move a step towards them. On seeing his deliverers, 
he could just muster strength to say, "Water, water !" 
He had finished the small supply he had taken 
with him the day before at noon, and had from that 
time suffered the most horrible tortures from thirst. 
He had even drunk his own blood ! Twenty-eight 
hours without water in the Sahara ! Our people 
could scarcely at first credit that he was alive ; for 
their saying is, that no one can live more than 
twelve hours when lost in the desert during the 
heats of summer. 
Dr. Barth was now brought back to the camp. 
He had still a supply of biscuit and dates with 
him ; but eating only aggravates the torture of 
thirst. Moist food is fitter to carry on such occa- 
sions. We found rum very useful in restoring his 
health. 
17^^. — The Doctor, being of robust constitution, 
was well enough this day to mount his camel, and 
proceed with the caravan. We advanced about 
seven hours, and then encamped. To-morrow, a 
ride of a couple of hours will take us into Ghiit. 
