My companion and I rode ahead of the caravan, surveying, collecting plants, or shooting any birds we might see; then followed the pack-camels, attached to one another by the halter, and guided by the Cossacks, one of whom rode in front holding the end of the halter of the first camel, while the other Cossack, with the Mongol guide, when there was one, brought up the rear,
Thus we would travel for two or three hours in the cool of the morning. By this time the sun was high in the heavens, and began to scorch us mercilessly. The baked soil of the desert smoked with heat, like a brick stove. Marching became very difficult; the head ached and swam, perspiration poured from the face and whole body, and a feeling of weakness and lassitude supervened. The sufferings of the animals were not less than those of the men. The camels toiled along with open mouth covered with sweat, which stood like drops of water on their coats; even our untiring Faust followed at foot-pace with head drooping and tail between his legs. The Cossacks, who generally sang songs, were now silent, and the whole caravan moved noiselessly onwards at measured pace, as though each person were afraid to communicate to his neighbour the heavy thoughts which oppressed his brain.
If by some good fortune a Mongol yurta or a Chinese house stood by the roadside, we hurried along at the top of our speed, to moisten our heads and caps, drink some water, and give a little to the
