ARAB FASHION OF HUNTING THE LION. 57 



While I am giving this hunting sketch, will the reader 

 pardon me for digressing again to narrate an act, showing the 

 pride of this man, who, though as poor as Job, was the 

 model of a knight, sans pear et sans reproche ? He was proud 

 only of what he had done, and what he could do. 



In the month of May, 1852, I was sent as mediator with 

 French troops, who marched under the orders of General de 

 M , into the province of Kabylie, to quell the insurrec- 

 tions that had recently broken out. General de A. was 

 detached from the invading column, with a few battalions, 

 into the country of the Haractahs, and I accompanied the 

 general, who was one of the most enthusiastic, .and best hun- 

 ters I have ever known. After a five days' march, we 

 arrived and encamped at the foot of the mountain called Sidi- 

 Reghis, which has the honor of being the dwelling-place of 

 Abdallah, the charcoal burner. 



As it was early when we arrived, the general wanted to 

 try a little sport in the neighborhood of the camp, and I 

 mentioned to him the name of Abdallah, and asked if he 

 would like him for a guide. A messenger was, accordingly, 

 sent up the mountain, and in a little while returned with our 

 friend of sporting notoriety, armed cap a pie. After he 

 had been received with the customary ceremonies in front of 

 my tent, I asked him if there were many hares in that part 

 of the country. At this question, he looked at me for a 

 moment, with an air of astonishment, and then without say- 

 ing a word, turned to a group of Arabs, who were squatted 

 near by, and leading one of them forward to me, he replied, 



3* 



