on their part,
wholly undeserved, and that had it not been for him, they would have
yielded to the wishes of their late masters.

After another march, the merchants made halt near some wells, around
which a large Arab encampment was found already established,--the flocks
and herds wandering over the adjacent plain. Here our adventurers had an
opportunity of observing some of the manners and customs of this nomadic
people.

Here, for the first time, they witnessed the Arab method of making
butter.

A goat's skin, nearly filled with the milk of camels, asses, sheep, and
goats, all mixed together, was suspended to the ridge pole of a tent,
and then swung to and fro by a child, until the butter was produced. The
milk was then poured off, and the butter clawed out of the skin by the
black dirty fingers of the women.

The Arabs allege that they were the first people who discovered the art
of making butter,--though the discovery does not entitle them to any
great credit, since they could scarce have avoided making it. The
necessity of carrying milk in these skin bags, on a journey, must have
conducted them to the discovery. The agitation of the fluid, while being
transported on the backs of the camels, producing the result, naturally
suggested the idea of bringing it about by similar means when they were
not travelling.

At this place the slaves were treated to some barley-cakes, and were
allowed a little of the butter; and this, notwithstanding the filthy
mode in which it had been prepared, appeared to them the most delicious
they had ever tasted.

During the evening, the three merchants, along with several other Arabs,
seated themselves in a circle; when a pipe was lit and passed round from
one to another. Each would take a long draw, and then hand the pipe to
his left-hand neighbor.

While thus occupied, they kept up an animated conversation, in which the
word "Swearah" was often pronounced. Swearah of course meant "Mogador."

"They are talking about us," said Jim, "and we must learn for what
purpose. I am afraid there is something wrong. Krooman!" he continued,
addressing himself to the black, "they don't know that you understand
their language. Lie down near them, and pretend to be asleep; but take
note of every word they say. If I go up to them they will drive me
away."

The Krooman did as desired; and carelessly sauntering near the circle,
appeared to be searching for a soft place on which to lay himself for