Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/202

Rh young shepherds was sitting on a rock playing on a short flute, made of a reed. He placed the end of it in his mouth, and produced soft but clear musical sounds. I could detect only five notes. Mohammed pointed out a black tent, made of camel's-hair cloth and branches, pitched under a large terrebinth-tree. It was no doubt the portable home of the herdsmen. Here we were met by an African horseman, as black as ebony. He was dressed entirely in white and crimson, and was riding at full gallop. He paused to greet us, and said to Mohammed, "The English Consul is near at hand. He is coming forth to meet his sister, but my eyes have seen her first. I will hasten to give him joy, and tell him that she is well and on her way." Mohammed answered, "Go in peace. Blessed is the bearer of good tidings." We were soon in the olive-groves of Shefa 'Amer, and there to my delight I met my brother. Saleh, Habîb, and Stephani joined us. They handed blossoming almond branches to me, in token of welcome. We rode up the steep hill on which the town stands, and alighted at the house of Habîb. He led me into his guest chamber, a large, eight-windowed, square room. On two sides of it mattresses were placed on the floor, covered with Turkey-carpets, and cushions cased in silk and satin were leaning against the walls. On one side a handsome carpet was spread, with a small silk -covered square mattress, and pillows arranged for one person only. This he said was intended for me. Egyptian matting covered the rest of the floor, and in one corner was a raised bed-stand, with muslin musketo-curtains. We went out on to the broad terrace, which overlooks the sea and the plain, and rested there, exchanging news.

I reported the visit of the Bedouins. My brother explained to me how the townspeople, the villagers, and the peasantry dread the approach of these wanderers with their flocks and herds, for, he said, "They not only spoil the pasture-land, but the crops are endangered. There will be no real safety for cultivators and agriculturists in Palestine