These highly interesting old buildings are presented with extraordinary
fidelity. They were taken on the spot. They are three in number, you
will observe. I presume you cannot tell me what this is? We paid for it
as the Sphinx, and it is pronounced by competent judges an exceedingly
flattering portrait. The Pyramids are centuries old. It is understood
that Miss Sphinx, out of respect to her sex, is about thirty
summers--permanently.
I will not deceive you. These structures are immense tombs full of
mummies; all the rooms are taken. From careful observation, it is
concluded that, like the Federal Union, they "must be preserved." Here
they stay in rapt solitude. A glance at the superintendent's register,
as you go in, shows that the "PHARAOH family" furnish the largest number
of inmates.
Look at this caravan about to cross the Desert. The camels are going
instead of coming. They are the ships of the desert--hardships. The
leading camel has a bell appended to his neck, which at this moment is
ringing for Sahara. We wish them good luck on their journey.
This gentleman on the rear camel (which you notice carries a red flag to
prevent collision), who is jauntily attired in nankeen trousers and a
blue cotton umbrella, is a physician from New Jersey, whose sands of
life have nearly run out. He will get plenty more by to-morrow.