A DESERT ROBBER. 81 chattering all at once, and demanded his instant decapitation. Though seemingly in the presence of an unlimited amount of enemies, Abu Loolah did not lose his stolidity, putting it no doubt all down to " Kismet."

Sir Herbert, however, considered him far too valuable to lose in this way, so made him accompany us as an extra guide, the other natives keeping at a respectful distance from him. Ten minutes afterwards another Hussar brought in his wife, a decidedly handsome young woman, with barely a stitch of clothing to cover her charms ; she had likewise been caught after a long chase, in which she very nearly gave her captor the slip. A small party was then sent to their shanty to bring in their household goods, consisting of a camel, a baby, some wooden bowls, corn, and a kid. Thus the family travelled with us, the whole perched on top of their unfortunate camel.

After a rest of three hours we moved on again, intending to get to Gakdul by next morning at daybreak. About midnight the whole column was halted, to allow the indefatigable igth to find out the reason