90 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



this cause, much to the astonishment of those sleeping 

 under it. 



Jan. 28. Moved our camp three hours' distance east- 

 ward along the Settite, to a high bank on the opposite 

 (south) side, known by the name of ' El Effaara.' As usual, 

 we went off in different directions, with the intention of re- 

 turning by dinner-time, an hour fixed by the setting sun ; 

 but to-night there was a vacant place, for Vivian had not 

 arrived. As time passed on, we began to fear that Mo- 

 hamed had lost his way in the darkness, for it was said 

 that he did not know just this part of the country well. 

 Bonfires were therefore lit on the highest points of the 

 hills near us, and guns discharged at intervals. At nine 

 o'clock they were still absent, but a shot then echoing 

 amongst the hills in the distance, followed later by others 

 nearer, told us that Mohamed was persevering in the 

 present almost total darkness to find his way, and that, 

 guided by our beacons, they were gradually approaching 

 us. At last a shout from a well-known voice from the 

 opposite bank of ' Emanuel, make me some lemonade/ 

 set our minds at rest, and immediately there was a rush 

 to the river-side with torches, whilst some Arabs crossed 

 over to light them better over the slippery way. Directly 

 after leaving camp this morning, Essafi came upon a 

 fresh buffalo track, and following it up for an hour, we 

 arrived at a dense mimosa wood, where numerous similar 

 tracks could be seen, perfectly fresh ; and it was there- 



