MABAEAK'T IL NAGA/' 
29 
shade they afforded was very grateful. We had passed^ about an 
hour^s journey from Sichreeg_, a rock on which was carved the re- 
presentation of two long-horned bullocks and an antelope. Some 
time after^ the guide pointed out three stones of a great size^ placed 
far apart. He said this spot was known as the ^^MaharakH il Naga^^^ 
or ^^Halting-place of the Naga.^^ We at once understood that a 
story was connected with it_, and^ after the noonday rest; the guide 
was summoned to our tent- He seated himself on a rug; and 
related the following in Arabic. Petherick acted as interpreter to 
myself and the Doctor. 
Once upon a time there lived at a village called Abu TeeU; 
north of Abu Hamad; the owner of an extraordinary fast-going 
naga. She was stolen one day from him; and every inquiry was 
made as to her whereabouts; but without success. At last Parrah 
Wallad Onad; the master of the camel; disguised himself as a 
beggar; and wandered in search of his valuable beast. After many 
months^ search; he found the naga in the village of Am : she was 
then large with young. Parrah determined to wait in the neigh- 
bourhood until the expected offspring was capable of following its 
mother. When this was the casC; he one day approached the naga, 
and; calling her by namC; she knelt down to permit him to mount ; 
unperceived; the three made their escape. Parrah placed the camel 
and her young one on an island near to his village. Here for some 
time they lived in security ; but a morning came when Parrah 
found that the narrow pass which led to the river; the only exit and 
entrance to the island; was guarded by many mounted Shagyehs. 
They called to him to surrender and deliver up the camel. Although 
thus surprised; and escape apparently hopelesS; he made the attempt; 
first killing with his lance the young camel; that it was impossible 
could follow him on the hazardous undertaking. He threw himself 
