324 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



set, and our camels had so much difficulty in making any 

 way against it that we did not arrive at our station till 

 9.30 P.M., and we were both then almost equally fatigued. 

 Fortunately we have a little water left in our skins, for 

 the soldiers here declare they have none and cannot get 

 any before the morning, as the mountain where it is 

 found is some distance off, and is frequented by robbers, 

 who would steal the camels if they went there at night. 

 Having had the best dinner our supplies will admit of, 

 we intend sleeping on the waterproof sheet under the 

 protection of a hut, and as we have two pillows and three 

 blankets we ought to manage pretty well. No chance 

 of Mohamed's party arriving to-night, but I hope by 

 to-morrow morning we shall all be together again, for the 

 non-appearance of Vivian this morning has added much 

 to my anxiety. 



