156 LIFE WITH THE H AMR AN ARABS. 



CHAPTER X. 



Feb. 19. The last good-bye has been said ; the 

 ground upon which we have been encamped for three 

 weeks is left to the vultures ; our tent is pitched on a new 

 site ; and as Vivian and myself sit over our quiet dinner, 

 we can fully realise what a great change has taken place 

 in our existence. How long we shall be parted from the 

 others depends entirely upon the sport we get in our 

 respective localities, but we at least hope to meet at 

 Kassala in April, and return to England together. A 

 general feeling of sorrow pervaded all our staff on part- 

 ing, and it was really pleasant to see Bob retire quietly 

 to a tree to give vent to the tears he could no longer re- 

 strain. He had evidently taken a particular fancy to 

 Vivian, and did not at all like being parted from him. 

 His desire is ultimately to become a dragoman, and to 

 all appearances he will be certain of success in such a 

 career. Great excitement was evinced amongst our camel- 

 men about their destination, as it was a serious matter ; 

 for those who return to the Hamran village now, will 

 not be allowed by Sheik Aghill to go the Salaam. The 



