A BATH IN THE RED SEA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3820, 2 June 1873, Page 3

A BATH IN THE RED SEA.

After our hot dusty ride, the temptation of the cool sparkling water is irresistible. We fling down our clothes anywhere and anyhow, and there is a regular race for first in, at which Abraham, knowing what the result will be, grins sardonically. And well he may, for now the wonderful buoyancy of the water, which we have hitherto regarded as a mere traveller's yarn, suddenly asserts itself in a very unexpected manner. The first who steps in makes two strides safely enough ; but at the third he makes a sudden plunge forward, throws his feet spasmodically above the surface, and begins rolling over and over like a wounded whale. Before we can recover from ouramazejnent at these manoeuvres we find ourselves imitating them whether we will or not ; and now begins a series of antics, at which the Arabs on shore make the air ring with laughter. Black tries to swim according to rule, ands himself flapping the air with his hands, as if beating off mosquitoes, while his heels amuse themselves with a similar performance in the rear. I turn upon my back, but the moment I strike out with my teet, I find myself revolving like a teetotum, without advancing an inch. Freshman attempts to put his feet on the ground, and instantly turns a somersault, as if trying to jump down his own throat, whilst the nauseous fluid (the flavor of which may be faintly represented by a mixture of brimstone and old shoes) insinuates itself into his nose and mouth, making him cough and splutter, as though he would sneeze his brains out. Nevertheless, the exquisite clearness and delicious coolness of the water tempt us to remain in a considerable time ; but at length the galls and scratches, of which we all carry a few, begin to smart so intolerably from the action of the salt, that we are fain to beat a retreat — frosted all over, like bride-cakes, with cr} Tstalised salt. " Well," observes Freshman, as wo mount again, " that would be a jolly sell for a fellosv that wanted to commit suicide. He might jump in till all's blue, and be none the worse." " I believe you," chimes in Black, i " this must be the place where Paddy swore to drown himself, or perish in the attempt."