Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/163

 AN ALGERIAN STREET Photograph by J Geiser

a broad and shallow stream which farther south is swallowed by the thirsty sands. When weary of dreaming in the garden, we may take a spin in the horse-car of Biskra, for this unique oasis is not without its progressive institutions. But the rails are very badly laid, and every few hundred rods there comes a lurch, followed by a suggestion of an earthquake, whereupon the French conductor politely requests the passengers to assist in replacing the car upon the rails. Thus a street-car ride, which with us is a passive enjoyment, becomes to the Biskran an excellent form of training for both nerve and muscle. Although not always thrown out by these frequent accidents, in fright we nearly jump out of the moving car, as, having passed the limits of the oasis, we behold close to the track upon a hillock a sight which makes our blood run cold—a gigantic lion, crouching as if about to spring. My friend feels for his revolver; I look despairingly at the distant palm-trees; the other passengers sit motionless, their faces expressive only of calm interest.