ad
passed at last into an almost comatose condition, from which it was
doubtful she could have been awakened, even at the sound of Israfil's
Trumpet.[1]

Crossing to the camels Hahmed considerably lengthened the lead, and
attaching the camels Taffadaln and Howesha one on each side of his own,
he bade the two former rise, which they did with alacrity, leading one
to believe that they heard the flute-like music calling them to the
cool of the palm tree's shade, the doubtful bucket of water, and the
certain repast, terminating with a handful of luscious dates.

Stooping, the man raised the unconscious girl from the ground, holding
her as lightly as a feather on one arm, and draping the dark cloak
around her so as to cover the red-gold hair, drew a corner across the
face.

Perhaps some may enjoy restraining the vagaries of a lead horse, which
sees fit to proceed sideways at the encounter of anything in motion on
the road, or execute a _pas seul_ on the hind legs at the flutter of a
leaf, without referring to what happens if a white paper-bag should
attract the nervous eye.

But it is mere child's play compared with the leading under certain
circumstances, of one or more self-willed, obstinate, vain-glorious
camels.

Seated across his black camel the Arab drew the girl's head against his
shoulder, holding her gently but firmly in his left arm.

A word, and the camel pitching and tossing finally acquired an upright
position. Things went well for a score or so of yards, the three
animals proceeding at a stately demure pace, until verily the devil
entered into Taffadaln.

Suddenly she rushed sideways, then with front legs wide apart came to a
dead stop, jerking the black camel violently.

"Thou awkward descendant of clumsy parents, what aileth thee?"
exclaimed her master, as Jill's head bumped violently against his
shoulder. "Take heed to my words. Enjoy this thy last ride through
the glory of the desert, for verily at the end shalt thou, between the
periods of bearing young, be put to the lowest tasks apportioned to the
lowest of thy species."

Whereupon Taffadaln turned solemnly towards the speaker, and lifting
her upper lip laughed, and with no more ado faced towards the palm
trees, which to desert-trained eyes showed faintly some miles away,
took two steps forward, humped herself together, collapsed on the
ground, and stretching out her neck, half-closed her eyes.

Imagine the helplessness of her master, se