SOS- 
dedicated to a saint called Sidi el Akili, whose sarco- 
phagus was still in existence, for the Wehhabites had 
not yet come to this place. 
The cold continued piercing, there was a dreadful 
north-west wind, and the sea also very rough. 
We set out at two o'clock, and shortly afterwards 
halted at some deserted houses, at the port of Tor, 
where I witnessed the most grotesque scene imaginable. 
The Arab camel drivers were about to dispute con- 
cerning the dividing of the burdens of the camels, be- 
cause it is generally agreed upon between them, that at 
> the moment of disembarkation, each loads his camel 
with what he can lay his hand on; so long they keep 
silence; but being arrived at this spot, they are at liber- 
ty to dispute until they come to a group of palm trees, 
which is well known, and there the dispute must cease. 
Every thing is then settled, and each must content 
himself with that which chance or the result of the alter- 
cation has assigned to him. 
I had remarked from the beginning of the journey, 
that some of the camel drivers murmured among them- 
selves, and had asked the cause of it. I was told in 
answer that they were to finish the dispute in the town 
of Tor. 
On arriving at this place they make every one alight, 
and commence the most bitter dispute among them- 
selves. I wished to tranquillize them, and to appease the 
quarrel. I got for answer that such was their constitu- 
tion. I let them therefore continue their discussion. 
They huddled themselves together in a circle upon the 
ground, then rose in dispute, and seated themselves 
again in the same position, until at length they called 
in an old man to settle their dispute. The old man ar- 
rived, and decided; some were content with his decision. 
