212 Bedouin Tribes of the Euphrates. [<n. xxv. 



night, and then departs, no greetmg or form of 

 adieu or thanks being considered necessary on 

 leaving.* In no tent, however poor, couhl money 

 be offered in payment for lodging or for common 

 food ; but we have sometimes been asked to pur- 

 chase the lamb or kid with which we were to be 

 feasted. In such cases the fiction is preserved of 

 the animal being procured from another tent. 



After a lengthened stay with a Sheykh, it is 

 customary to give a crown piece to the coffee-maker, 

 and perhaps another to the cook, if cook there be, 

 both usually negro slaves, with a smaller silver coin 

 to whoever holds your horse's stirrup at mounting. 

 To the great man himself presents may be offered, 

 but only at arrival, so as not to bear the appearance 

 of being a payment. A cloak, a pair of boots, and 

 a bag of sugar for the women, is the usual gift ; 

 but coffee-beans and tobacco are always acceptable. 

 A pistol, too, is a welcome present ; but it would 

 not be accepted by a great man, unless he had an 

 equivalent to give in return. In all these matters it 

 is necessary to calculate carefully the rank of the 

 host and that of the guest, to avoid giving offence. 

 A poor man is received in the same way as a rich 

 one ; but the latter is expected to bring a cloak, if 

 the visit be paid to the chief Sheykh of a tribe. 



* Gratitude for hospitality is not expected and never shown. 

 Indeed, the French proverb is very applicable to Bedouin morals, 

 which says, " La neeessitu ayant hni, I'ingratitude rentre dans 

 ses di'oits." 



