33 
Saturday, December 20th. 
We commenced our route at an early hour in the 
morning, and perceived at a great distance the little 
town of Suez, situated upon a small height. All those 
who were on horseback, as also the armed Arabs, who 
were mounted upon camels or dromedaries, went to 
the head of the caravan, forming a line of battle; and 
in this order we continued to march. 
Shortly after we discovered a group of persons on 
horseback, who were coming from Suez, and prepared 
our arms; but perceiving they were Arnaut soldiers, 
and inhabitants of Suez, who were approaching to meet 
us, every one was rejoiced. The two bodies met, and 
the rejoicings began. 
We marched in the same order, that is to say, in a 
long line. Several Arabs detached themselves succes- 
sively from the rank, on the right and left, challenging 
each other, and amusing the rest by firing off their 
guns. This racing and firing took place parallel to us; 
so that we heard the balls hiss past us; and sometimes 
they came very near, which amused every body very 
much. 
It was a fine coup d'oeil to see these Arabs leave 
their ranks, and go at full speed mounted upon horses 
or dromedaries, with their lances in the air, or pointed 
forwards parallel to the line, and so near that the points 
of them passed our horses noses at four fingers dis- 
tance. Let us imagine what sort of movement they 
ought to give their horses, to prevent them from 
touching the procession, which keeps moving for- 
wards. It must be, that the course of their horses is a 
little oblique, and executed with the rapidity of light- 
ning. What fine horses are to be found in this country! 
At length, about noon, the caravan made its entry 
Vol. II. E 
