Page 279 - Neglected Arabia (1902-1905)

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k A RETROSPECT.
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DU. SIIAKOX J. THOMS.
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Our hospital at Bahrein lias been in running*;
order just a little more than a year. W hen we
had finished moving our scanty furniture from
our previously crowded quarters in the mis-
sion-heuse. the boxes of appliances from Lon­
f don. as well as the furnishings for the beds,
with the many other things sent by thoughtful
! and loving friends from America, were un­
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packed. and we had time to look around upon
our new surroundings, what a long breath of satisfaction and en­
I couragement we drew! We knew there would be lots of hard work
k to be done before things could be expected to move along in proper
hospital order; but what a chance for expansion, and of ac­
complishing some of the things of which we had dreamed! We
look another deep breath and started to work in earnest.
I hings move slowly in the Orient. The Arabs could not
comprehend this big move for a while. They had often been told
by us that this large house was for their own sick ones, and that
1. we hoped to do much more than we had ever been able to do
before. Hut they persisted in believing that it was a new dwelling
for the missionaries. Some wagged their heads and told their
:• triends to look out for 11s. for we were certainly planning some
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mischief. One who had traveled some (had been to Bombay),
said that we had a great cellar under the building, where we
intended burning patients who would not become Christians.
W e began with about twenty attending the dispensary. Many
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came to the wall of the compound, looked over to see what they
could see and then went away. But gradually the number of
patients increased, until, in March, the daily attendance reached

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