LEADER OF THE PILGRIMS. 
217 
have been glad of any moment of repose for my aching head; 
but the incessant intrusion, and clamorous curiosity of these 
people, deprived me of all quiet. However, I was at last re¬ 
lieved by a rammer-like process, of one substance driving out 
another. The pilgrims from Pool-i-Zohaub suddenly marched 
into the khaun, and their numbers completely filling every 
cranny of the place, left no room for the intruders from the 
village. But this was only a short reprieve from annoyance, for 
a short time before sun-set I was effectually disturbed by a visit 
from the chawosh , or conductor of the holy caravan, who came 
to enquire the hour I intended to start the following morning, 
and to beg the favour of my allowing his party to be attached to 
my little band. His reason for this incredible petition to a 
company of ten men, in behalf of ten hundred, was, he alleged, 
the extreme danger of the road we were to march to-morrow ; 
“ and, therefore,” he added, “ the more numerous the body to 
oppose the threatened disasters, the greater the chance of 
escape.” 
He told me, the road passed through an intricate country in 
the immediate vicinity of four notorious Arab tribes, who ac¬ 
knowledged no law but the sword, and whose constant employ¬ 
ment was to lie in wait amongst the endless ravines of the pass, 
and rob every company of travellers whose numbers were not 
amply superior to the hordes which joined the attack. All this, 
doubtless, was very formidable; and the good man seemed so 
thoroughly in earnest, I did not hesitate an instant promising 
any assistance in our power. “ To be sure,” said he, “ the way 
has been travelled often without any fatal mishaps ; and, In shalla , 
(please heaven !) to-morrow we may pass it in peace!” 
He added, that he had been the conductor of pilgrims nine- 
VOL. II. 
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