AN OBSTINATE CAMEL 13 
proof sheet spread upon the floor inside the tent, and upon 
it my indiarubber bath, mosquito- curtain, bed, blankets, 
shoes, pyjamas — all put ready for me, and everything in its 
right place, my boy having evidently been butler to white 
men before. Meanwhile, another large fire had been 
kindled, and as it now grew dark, the camels, pony, and 
sheep were driven in close to it. No zareba (thorn fence) 
could be built, as the thorn-bushes were not big enough. 
By the time I had had a wash and brush-up, I found an 
excellent stew awaiting me, followed by some of the best 
roast mutton I had ever tasted ; this, washed down with 
lukewarm water, diluted with ‘ a wee drap of the cratur,’ 
set me in good humour for the long day’s march on the 
morrow. 
I was up in the morning at 2.45, and at 3.30 all the 
camels were loaded, with the exception of one obstinate 
brute, who still knelt and roared, resisting all attempts to 
raise him until part of his load had been removed from his 
back and transferred to another animal. As far as I could 
