Page:On the Desert - Recent Events in Egypt.djvu/238

224 territory (as indeed they did, going on to Gaza to bring back supplies for the Convent), but they must not carry us. To furnish guides and camels for travellers was the special privilege and perquisite of the tribe in whose territory we were, which they would not surrender. If our men had attempted to force their way, there would have been a pitched battle. Of course there was nothing to do but to submit. But it was a real sorrow to us to say farewell to our gentle and simple Tawarah.

Seeing it was inevitable, we wished to do something to soften the pain of separation. Dr. Post, who knew the hearts of the Bedaween, had conceived, "in the recesses of a mind capacious of such things," the idea of a grand stroke which should cause us to be forever remembered by our companions, and to be blessed in their tribe. It was to buy a sheep and give it to them to roast whole and make a feast. "But what," I asked, "can they do with a whole sheep?" "They will not leave a mouthful; they win pick the last bone," was the answer. It is so seldom that the poor fellows get a "square meal" that when it comes they do it full justice. Of course I was delighted, and enjoyed in advance their surprise and amazement at this unexpected feast. But alas for our generous intentions! "To cook a hare you must first catch it." There was not a sheep to be had in all the country round for love or money. So we had to abandon our brilliant design and content ourselves with giving a very liberal backsheesh.

And now came the negotiations for another party. The sheikh of the tribe presented himself immediately on our arrival. As soon as he appeared, the large heart of Yohanna swelled within him; he fell on the neck of the Arab and kissed him. Their love was like the love of David and Jonathan. Who that saw these brothers folded in each