Go to the town

At first, the buildings seem to remain at the same distance, not getting any closer no matter how far you travel. It appears as though it were merely a mirage, the sand blowing across in front of it and the heat emanating from the ground, making it appear unreal. Then, after about an hour's travel, it begins to become more realistic, the buildings taking better form and beginning to seem to grow larger.
Two hours later, you're standing at the edge of town, looking down the street at the buildings lining either side of it and thinking, where are all the people?
You wander through the streets until you see the saloon to your left, about a quarter of the way through town, then look around again. Still no one, and your becoming overcome with thirst.