224 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



given of the case there was reason to hope for great 

 results. Much to our annoyance, instead of their camp 

 being near us, as the messenger stated, we were dragged 

 through endless thorny paths, with only one lantern to 

 give us light, and with clothes on by no means intended 

 for this kind of night amusement, until we were just 

 going to turn back in despair, when the barking of dogs 

 announced the near approach to our destination. It was 

 a very snug retreat, well away from the river, completely 

 hemmed in by thick bushes, and specially adapted for 

 protection from any night attack by the Base. On our 

 arrival, we saw the sick man separated from his com- 

 rades, and, whilst squatting on a mat, evidently writhing 

 with pain. 



Standing by his side, we were soon surrounded by 

 the rest of the camp, numbering twenty, and a very 

 picturesque group we formed, as the solitary lantern 

 partially lit up this cavernous-looking place, and just en- 

 abled us to distinguish its individual members. Albert 

 of course did the part of interpreter, and great interest 

 was shown in the conversation between the sick man and 

 himself. It happened to be a case in which an operation 

 would give immediate relief to suffering, whilst the 

 omission could only result in a gradual increase of it, 

 until in all probability death brought it to an end. 

 With these facts told him plainly and repeatedly, and 

 every persuasion used to obtain his consent, not only 





