112 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

managed somehow to slip its bridle off, and on finding itself free had indulged in a series of violent kicks. W stuck on like a monkey, but when the brute proceeded to bolt, and there was nothing to guide it by, he thought it was time to get off, and did so speedily, arriving on his head in the soft sand. His camel was at length lassoed and remounted, and W trotted off to his place none the worse.

Soon after this little episode, the track (or rather where the track ought to have been) led over some very soft sand-hills, rather a feature at this particular place. The wind coming from the north drives mounds of fine drift sand before it, which advance very slowly, but with an irresistible force, overwhelming landmarks, rocks, and trees, and only to be stopped by running water (of which there isn't any). It is a terrible place for losing one's way, since these sand-hills extend for over half-a-mile, and entirely obliterate the track. This is especially unpleasant on the return journey, as there are no hills or landmarks visible anywhere. Several camels went head over heels down the soft slopes, and