242 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



we all escaped without being shot, or otherwise injured, 

 is somewhat surprising. The Arabs were wild with de- 

 light at the buffalo slaughter, and from the numbers 

 reported to be wounded we ought to have hit about 

 two per shot. A grand search was made for these 

 under the low trees, and everyone was very bold at 

 first, even Albert ; but directly a buffalo was found and 

 it was heard to move, a general scamper occurred right 

 across our guns, leaving us in a much more uncom- 

 fortable position than themselves had one charged. 

 Essafi very cleverly drew one out from under some trees 

 by dancing about before it, and making thrusts at it 

 with his sword, whilst we stood in a good position for a 

 shot, and as it charged at Essafi he kept clear of our 

 guns, and it was at once rolled over, most probably by 

 Vivian's ten-bore. In another instance we had an oppor- 

 tunity of seeing with what great accuracy and force these 

 Arabs can throw their spears, for having found a wounded 

 buffalo in open ground, a deaf and dumb Arab be- 

 longing to another camp begged to be allowed to finish it 

 off in his own way, for our special edification. Having 

 been granted this privilege, he crept up stealthily, and 

 at five yards distance away flew his spear, and striking 

 the buffalo behind the shoulder it penetrated the chest 

 to a depth of several inches. It did not finally suc- 

 cumb to its persecutor until by sundry cuts with a 

 sword, lent by Essafi, across the back of the neck, he 





