The guide said, “We are now not far from Jerusalem”; and on looking in the direction in which he pointed the dim outlines of the high walls were seen. “Is it really the walls of Jerusalem?” we asked, and no answer was needed, for shortly after the carriage stopped and all stood at the Jaffa Gate, one of the entrances to the city. The guide took us to the hotel; and a tired company of tourists we were. The ride over the mountain had chilled us to the bone, but there was no fire to greet us. The meal which had been prepared was likewise cold, and when a cup of tea was passed us it too was disappointingly cold and seemed to have been far from fire an hour or more. What a reception! Will you be surprised to know that thoughts of home and loved ones came thick and fast? It was midnight, and when the servant took us to our room, imagine our feelings on beholding the flooring to be of stone and iron bars across the one small window. A shudder passed over us, and we thought of a prison cell. Two beds were in the room. Upon examination we found there were two linen sheets to sleep between and a very poor, thin comfort for covering. The outlook for getting warm was not very bright, and I still have recollections of shivering until almost morning. The window I made mention of seemed entirely out of place so close to the ceiling, and it was always a wonder to me why the builders placed it so high. And then, why the iron bars? When alone in my room one day the thought struck me this way, “I’ll see why the window is so high.” And forthwith the wash-stand was moved under it, and in a short time after I stood upon it. Even then I came near being too low; but by standing on my tiptoes and then stretching my neck until it seemed the leaders were strained I succeeded in looking out. I did not see people passing, but instead found the window looked down upon a great pool. It was well filled with water which had run into it during the rainy season. The pool, it is thought, had been built by Hezekiah who was king of Jerusalem many, many years ago. Since the pool was all that could be seen from the window and I was not anxious to remain longer in such a strained position, I decided to go where a better view could be had of it. My curiosity had been gratified, and I never looked out of that window again. Soon after this the guide came, and we all started out to see the city. [Illustration: _One of Solomon’s Pools._] Solomon’s pools are only a few hours’ ride from Jerusalem and may be seen on your way to the city of Bethlehem. They are three in number, and all of them are of great size. We learn there is one which is considered finer than the rest, and its dimensions are one hundred and ninety-four yards long, forty-nine yards wide at the top, and sixty-nine yards below, and is at places forty-eight feet deep, and hewn in the rock.