You may go with me, in your mind, to Venice, a city in Italy, where we found ourselves very early one winter morning. Day had not yet dawned, and darkness reigned supreme. Lamps were burning inside of the depot, giving just light enough for passengers to see every object plainly. At the foot of a flight of steps not far away stood two men, and as we were in search of a hotel porter we immediately walked toward them. Upon their cap-band, in large letters, was the name of the hotel we desired going to, and without speaking one word our traveling bags were taken and placed in a small boat, and we followed after, taking a seat near by them. We were strangers, ignorant of the language, cold and tired. The boatmen dipped their oars with a splash, and in the mean time talked loudly to each other. The townspeople, no doubt, were in bed asleep, for not a sound but that of our boatmen was heard, and no lights were seen, excepting the lights which marked the corners. The distance seemed great, for we paddled up one canal and down another, until we knew not where the starting point was, and had no idea where the men were taking us. Venice was the strangest city we had ever visited. Front doorsteps extended out into the water, and boatmen pulled up alongside of them with their little gondolas. A large door showed us the entrance to the hotel; but it was closed, and with a great deal of energy our fist came down against it. After patiently waiting, admittance was gained, for a winking, blinking-eyed servant, with hair standing straight up over his head, had heard the noise and appeared to find out the cause. In one hand he held a candle, and with the other kept tight hold of the door. At first thought an entrance seemed out of the question; but after his eyes were opened more widely he saw better and knew we were guests of the hotel; so forthwith the door opened and we passed into the hall, where a man who was not dazed took charge of us and we were glad to be taken to our room, where in a short time after we were warmly covered up in bed. Our journey had been long and tiresome, and the next morning found us still tired and not willing to rise early. Venice was the meeting point for us, as a party of tourists, and from there we were to go on to Jerusalem together. We were ahead of time, so decided to go sightseeing by ourselves; and an enjoyable time was had going from one point to another.