THE CAMEL DKIVEES' DANCE. 
37 
at niglit^, owing to the insecure fastening of their stakes into the 
loose ground^ one or other of them would get away^ and always 
made straight to the spot where we were resting, and neigh and 
caper about until we got up, as they well understood, to give them 
something extra to eat. 
The water in the wells is extremely brackish, and was drunk, 
therefore, in moderation. 
Sunday j \bth . — Before sunrise a good start was made, and at 
noon we rested at Bergab il Alwan, a wide sandy plains heat 
excessive, and the wind high. The Doctor^s tent was blown down, 
and ours had a fight to hold its own. At half-past three again on 
our camels, but they were wearied, and could travel but slowly. 
At sunset the usual halt, and at nine o^ clock the start. Met a 
caravan of slaves, most of them on donkeys : they appeared to be 
children. The owners or agents rode fine dromedaries. Several 
camels laden with water and grain accompanied them. The wind 
had died away, the moon was intensely bright, and the camel-men, 
in high spirits, performed a native dance ; some played on their 
rude musical instruments, others brandished their swords, others 
fired ofi* guns. Every one was in a state of excitement, and no one 
knew for what. At midnight reached a grand mountain. 
Monday, IQth . — Off at sunrise; passed through a rocky defile, 
trying to us all ; the pass narrow, mountains on each side : we felt 
stifled. At noon reached a sandy plain ; the wind was then so high 
that our tents could not be pitched. Little huts of the boxes were 
made, and very comfortable we found them ; we had, however, to 
creep in and out, and remain in a sitting posture. When the sun 
went down the rugs were removed outside, and we there passed the 
