It was now about midnight, when I heard a voice like that of a man, who was reading the koran, in the same manner, and in a similar tone, as it was the custom to read it in our temples. This gave me great joy; I immediately got up, and taking a torch to light me, I went on from one chamber to another, on that side whence I heard the voice. I stopped at the door of a cabinet, from which I was sure the voice issued: I laid down the torch on the ground, and looking in through a small opening, it seemed to me to be an oratory. I perceived within it, as in our temples, a sort of niche, which pointed out the way it was necessary to turn, when we repeated our prayers. There were also some lamps suspended, and also two chandeliers containing large candles made of white wax, all of which were lighted. I perceived, also, a small carpet, spread out in the same manner as those which we spread with us, in order to kneel upon, when we pray. A young man, of a pleasant countenance, was seated upon this carpet, and recited, with great attention, from the koran, which lay before him upon a small desk.--Astonished and delighted at this sight, I endeavoured to account how it happened that he was the only person alive in a town, where every one else was petrified; and I did not doubt but that there was something very extraordinary in this. As the door was scarcely shut, I entered, and, placing myself before the niche, I made the following prayer aloud:-- “God be praised, for having granted us so prosperous a voyage: may he continue to favour us with his protection, till we arrive in our own country. Listen to me, O Lord, and grant my prayer.” The young man then cast his eyes upon me, and said, “I entreat you, my good lady, to tell me who you are, and what has brought you to this desolate town? I will inform you, in return, who I am, what has happened to me, and for what reason the inhabitants of this town are reduced to the condition you have seen; and how it happens also, that I alone am safe, and have escaped so dreadful a disaster.” I related to him, in a few words, whence I came, what had induced me to make this voyage, and how I had fortunately arrived at this port, after twenty days sail. Having said this, I entreated him, in his turn, to fulfil the promise he had made me; and I remarked to him how much I had been struck by the frightful desolation which I had observed in all the places through which I had passed.