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 There was little to break the monotony of our lonely journey except a large number of caravans, and, every now and again, one of those tiny little donkeys, used to lead a troop of from nine to fifteen camels!

"Now you see," said the 'man from the States,' "why we sometimes speak of a 'conceited ass!'"

"Only," I answered, "this little fellow has something to be conceited about. He has the right to say 'look at me,' as he trots along with the double row of turquoise beads round his neck, leading these great big chaps behind him. When he chooses to push ahead, they must hurry after him; and when he condescends to turn round and 'look over' them, for all the world as an officer might 'eye' his men, you could not discover a more striking example of personality in the East. I declare I have fallen in love with that charming ass!"

"He has the right to say, 'Look at me.'"

"Very well," he replied with a laugh, "the next time anyone calls me an 'ass,' I shall be proud to accept the compliment."