Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 1.djvu/431

 the Ababdeh as camel-drivers in large caravans. But some still live close to the trade routes, and besides keeping stock, earn something from the services of various kinds which they render to passing caravans. They are also stationed here as roadwatchers, receiving a little payment from their chiefs for this service.

The Ababdeh, who number about 30,000 altogether, are governed by an hereditary "chief," who nominally controls and deposes subordinate sheikhs for the different districts. Although nominally a vassal of the Khedive he pays no tribute, but on the contrary receives a sort of subsidy from a portion of the road dues

levied on the caravans which pass through his territory. The chief and his representatives, jointly with the tribal elders, settle all internal disputes, so that the Egyptian Government has nothing to do with the clansmen, neither imposing taxes nor forcing them into the army. The chief is, however, personally responsible for the safe conduct of travellers along the caravan routes traversing his country. He furnishes camels and guides, and living himself in the Nile Valley, is held a hostage for the security of the desert roads. Mohammed Ali introduced this system of hostages among the Bedouins, and the result of this wise measure has