By this time you have learned that people who go long journeys become tired and are liable to have accidents happen them too. It is plain to be seen that one must be prepared for anything, and if possible be cheerful under all circumstances. The sun did not shine all of the time, and we knew to our sorrow what it meant to travel when rain was pouring down upon us. On the way to Baalbek our ride was as unpleasant as could well be imagined. Snow and rain were our portion many miles. The little flakes fell thick and fast. Occasionally they found their way to our neck, where they melted, leaving the water to trickle down our back, making us still more chilly and uncomfortable. It would weary you if I were to make any further attempt to tell you of that very unpleasant ride. There was genuine pleasure however in looking forward to the time when the village should be gained and we be under the shelter of a roof; and as we rode on and on it was a satisfaction to know every mile took us nearer and nearer the resting place. At last the columns of the “Great Temple” were seen in the distance. Immediately we took fresh courage and urged our horses to greater speed. By and by the village was gained, and to our delight the dragoman drew rein and we all dismounted in front of a rough looking building, bearing the name of “Hotel,” which was to be our home while in the village of ruined temples. Everything around it seemed gloomy and cheerless; but we wasted no time in looking at the surroundings, for we were anxious to go where wet clothing could be removed. Husband found, to his sorrow, that boots were very good to hold water, for on placing his feet upon the ground the water overflowed and rushed out of the top of them; so you may see what a distressed condition he was in. When a room was assigned us we were surprised to see it so large and with such a little bit of furniture in it. The floor was stone and carpetless; two windows were in the room, but they were curtainless, and there was no stove in which to make fire. We needed dry clothing badly, but the baggage had not been brought up, for it was far back on the mountain. Now what was to be done? Well, each person settled that question for himself. Some concluded to go to bed and stay there until the baggage was brought them. We called for a fire; a foolish thing to do when there was no stove, you may think; but it came to us all right in two iron pans with coals red hot. Immediately after, each piece of clothing was removed, the water wrung out, and then it was held piece by piece over the coals to dry. The task was not an easy one, I assure you, and both of us were kept busy for a while. We were quite comfortable long before our baggage came, for the men were four hours behind time.