204 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



heartily in hauling the monster to the bank. Having 

 already made a careful study of the after-proceedings on 

 such occasions, I preferred leaving my friends to their own 

 strange devices, and, after finding a good place of con- 

 cealment under some overhanging nabbuks along the 

 bank, awaiting the arrival of any antelope. I very 

 speedily came to the conclusion that there were many 

 less pleasant ways of spending the hottest part of the 

 day than this, although amongst the numerous visitors 

 on each side of me, as well as on the opposite bank, not 

 one arrived of sufficient importance to tempt me to 

 disturb the peaceful gatherings. It was a pretty sight 

 to watch the gazelle or ariel coming to drink. At first 

 one or two timidly descend the covered way, and after 

 listening attentively and looking well around them to be 

 sure that the coast is clear, they make a short step for- 

 ward over the dry bed, and then, with increased confi- 

 dence, scamper down to the water's edge. This becomes 

 the signal for the others, and down they come in rapid 

 succession until almost within reach of the desired goal, 

 where they may moisten their parched tongues, when the 

 displacement of an extra loose pebble causes a panic and 

 the rapid disappearance of the whole herd. It is only, 

 however, to lie in ambush close by for a few minutes, until 

 it is discovered that it was a false alarm, and then gain- 

 ing wisdom by their mistake, they advance more boldly 

 to the river. Here they linger but for a few moments 



