A EACE, 247 powers, and had even presumed to joke about tlaem : but this night ride showed what we eoukl do, and put an end to any disparaging remarks. After riding for some few miles we heard shouts behind, and looking back, saw most of our escort in full chase after us. However, they were not going to catch us up easily ; our horses also heard them, and entering fully into the spirit of a race, cheerily answered to our call. On we went, the moonlight revealing to us now and again boulders in the path, and thorn-covered acacias, which we had plenty to do to avoid.

At last, after another five miles' gallop, we drew rein and let our horses rest, to let the Arabs overtake us. The noise they made was deafening ; they protested loudly at the trick we had played them ; said how angry Ismaen would be, and entreated us to stop, asking if we were possessed, as they had never believed we could ride thus. We would not give in yet, but continued the journey, crossing one or two deej) khors, one named Geshara being very difficult. At last, having got somewhat out of our latitude, and being rather tired wdth the ride, we consented to stop for the remainder of the night at Hummi. Our caravan came up long after we were settled for the night.

The morning of December 30 was very cold, and we were just going to start when up rode Ismaen Agha, mounted on his begin ; he carried a boy