ARABIA. 33 



" Yes, it is one they verify daily, unless the rites 

 of hospitality have already been offered, and bread 

 has been broken with the stranger in the 'tents of 

 Shem. * But they have certain unmistakable signs to 

 show that their entertainment is at an end, and no 

 hesitation then in declaring themselves at enmity." 



Are their manners agreeable? 



"The sheiks have a grave and haughty dignity in 

 their bearing, and polished manners, so affable that 

 they can quickly secure the attachment of neighbor- 

 ing tribes. Gifted with a courage never yielding 

 and never dying, they are also born traders, and 

 soon acquire great influence in their surroundings." 



You must have made opportunities to learn every- 

 thing possible about their famous horses? 



" My object in visiting the Arabs was always to 

 purchase horses, and while I was prepared for trickery 

 and even treachery in their dealings, I succeeded, 

 even if stratagem were the means. They knew I 

 was not to be deceived easily, and the remote ties of 

 consanguinity had its influence." 



How do they deal with strangers? 



" If a man comes armed with wealth and might, 

 desiring to purchase a favorite horse, the Arab will 

 plunge into the desert, inaccessible except to the 

 native, and there hide himself and his horse until 

 the danger of losing him is past. But if the intend- 

 ing purchaser brings only money, he had better have 

 stayed at home, for the Arab will first kill and then 

 plunder him. They are notorious highwaymen and 

 the laws of their country shield, rather than punish 

 such misdoings. " 

 3 



