A considerable distance was covered before night, and they congratulated themselves on getting rid of the Brabos so easily. Camp was made for the night at a spring that flowed from the rocks alongside a hill, and which also afforded them protection for the night.
Referring to the matter of his wanderings, Blakely, during the course of the evening, said, “The most trying thing I experienced, during all of my travels, were the winds about five months ago. For fully three days I could hardly move from place to place.”
“That was during the period of the monsoons, and you will remember, it was a year after we had our terrible experience,” answered John.
“I had forgotten that,” he replied.
“I suppose then that they come regularly each year.”
“They really come twice a year. In one period they blow in one direction and at the other period in the other direction.”
“I also noticed that, and I presume we may expect the one from the southeast in another month.”
“Quite true; but those from that direction are not so severe.”
“I recall that they have the Siroccos in Italy, which blow across the Mediterranean, from the northern shores of Africa; and the simoons of Arabia are also terrific while they last.”
“The most trying winds I ever experienced,” said the Professor, “were the Kamsen winds of Egypt and the Harmattan which blow over Africa from the eastern side, owing to the heated atmosphere. They are literally like ovens in their intensity.”