e cattle were driven close together, and the
armed men drew up in battle array, ready to resist an attack. The Arabs
do not, however, often engage in battle with each other, unless one
party can surprise an enemy, or is much superior in numbers.

In vain did we look out for Boxall; and when I tried to ascertain from
the sheikh's brother to what tribe the Arabs belonged whom we had seen
at the pool, he would only tell me that they were enemies, and not good
people.

At length, in the far distance, we caught sight of groups of tall
palm-trees rearing their heads above the plain. At first, so accustomed
were we to low bushes, I expected to see them only a little higher than
usual, and was surprised at the length of time which elapsed before we
reached them. We were delighted to find ourselves under their cool
shade, and on the borders of a stream flowing in their midst. The
Arabs, however, did not exhibit the same satisfaction; the animals were
kept closer together than usual, while a vigilant watch was placed over
them. I inquired the cause of these precautions, and was told that the
forest was infested with wild beasts, and that we should be fortunate
did we escape without being attacked. We had not gone far, indeed, when
we caught sight of a lion stalking amid the trees; but after looking at
us for some time, as if he would like to pounce upon some of the sheep
or goats, he walked off, intimidated by the shouts and cries of the
Arabs. We took warning, and did not stray from the camp.

Among many other trees in this forest, I remarked cocoa-nut, date, and
wild orange trees; indeed, the region appeared so fertile, that at first
it seemed surprising that the Arabs should not have taken up their abode
there. There were many reasons, however, for their not doing so: the
strongest was their unconquerable love of a wandering life through the
desert wilds; another and very important reason was, that the vast
number of wild beasts which inhabited the forest would have proved very
destructive to their flocks and herds. There were also several tribes
already in possession, who would have proved formidable enemies had they
attempted to settle in the neighbourhood.

We had evidence the following day of the destructive power of the wild
beasts. The caravan was already in motion, the chief men and the
baggage camels being in front, a small guard only bringing up the rear.
Halliday, Ben, and I, with our young negro compani