20
Clouds of downy pollen blown by the scorching wind landed on the hills and mixed with the sand, turning the entire area as grey as wolf pelt. It was hot beyond all endurance, and a bitter, heavy-smelling breeze blew from the sea. People found no relief: First they ran out of their simple homes, then they ran back inside. The old and the infirm had it worst of all. They tried to overcome the horrible searing heat by drinking tea and worried lest conditions grew even worse, but what was the use?
When the sun did its worst, the sand got so hot it began to stir and whirl over the hills, moving towards the sea. The searing dust twisted in the air as it blew over the village, down to the beach, and finally into the sea to temper the heat. The sea made its own depredations, sending water sur
