CHAPTER XXI 



THE BEDAWEEN 



The Bedaween are a fine, generous people, of wealth sufficient 

 for their wants. Their intelligence is undeniable, their per- 

 ceptions quick, their imagination lively, and their wit keen. 

 In difficult and delicate matters of diplomacy, they are more 

 than a match for those who would entangle them. They 

 require to be dealt with firmly, but with great considera- 

 tion and uprightness, as equals, and not inferiors. No 

 people under the sun are more capable of appreciating fair 

 and liberal dealing, and treatment, than the Arabs of the 

 desert. They have many and great virtues, and are noble 

 and generous in character. As to their hospitality, it is 

 justly renowned, for anyone, even an enemy, is safe if he 

 but touch the tent-rope. The owner of the tent then 

 becomes his host, and it is his duty not only to defend his 

 guest against every foe, but to supply his wants also. Were 

 two personal foes to meet, the conqueror is entitled to the 

 mare of the man he has overcome. But touching the tent- 

 rope, is not only the guarantee for personal safety, but 

 secures the mare to the owner also. 



Firearms are not in use among the Bedaween. Attacks 

 are personal encounters, and the real and safest armour of 

 the Bedaween horseman, offensive and defensive, is the 

 speed of his mare. 



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