rescued from a cruel and lingering death, we could not expect
that our lot in other respects would be greatly improved. We were going
back to slavery, and our new masters were likely to treat us as the
others had intended doing, should we attempt to escape or refuse to
embrace their religion.

Just at sunset we reached a hollow with a few bushes growing at the
bottom, from the midst of which sprang up a strange figure. It was that
of an old man of most repulsive appearance, with a long white beard, a
dark ragged garment thrown over his withered body, and a long stick in
his hand. He was, I was told, a holy recluse, who lived upon the alms
of passing pilgrims. He saluted our leader as an old acquaintance, and
mounting on a camel, offered to guide us on our way during the night.
It is no easy matter at any time, even for the Arabs, to find the way in
a direct line across the boundless Desert; and when clouds obscure the
stars, it is almost impossible without a compass. The old recluse, on
seeing white strangers, cast a look of disgust and disdain at us,
expressing his surprise that any true believers should allow infidel
Nazarenes to remain in their company. But our leader only laughed, and
answered that, as we had not eaten pork for a year, we had become almost
as clean as Arabs. Considering that we had had a bath only a few days
before, we considered ourselves a good deal cleaner. However, we did
not say so, but let the dirty old saint abuse us to his heart's content
without replying.

Even camels cannot go on for ever; and at length we reached a rocky
ridge with a hollow beyond it. Crossing over the ridge, we descended
into the hollow, where we at length halted to spend the night. On this
ridge several sentries were placed, to give early notice of the approach
of the foe. No fires were lighted; and each man, having taken his
frugal meal of dates and flour-cakes, lay down among the weary camels to
rest.

The night passed off without any alarm, and before daybreak we were
again mounted and proceeding on our journey. Just as the sun was about
to appear a halt was called, when all the men dismounted, and
prostrating themselves towards the east, threw sand on their heads,
while they uttered aloud their prayers as the sun rose above the
horizon. Though anxious to push forward, as our pursuers would be
employed in the same way, yet they did not hesitate to expend the time
required in offering up their prayers.