Page 170 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

IX.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 131

the rock, and found that the track led along

a narrow ledge for about two hundred yards.
It appeared as smooth as glass, and in many

places not more than a foot in breadth, with
a steep precipice on either hand above and

below. I know not whether he expected me to
imitate his example in taking a shorter route,

or if it was only to exhibit his own fearlessness
and dexterity; but directly we opened upon

the scene, he stopped, and inquiring, with a
smile, if I would follow further, tripped care­

fully along, supporting himself by his hands
in those places where the rock projected and

compelled him to bend his body over the pre­
cipice, and in the course of a few minutes,

was safely seated at the opposite extremity,
beckoning and calling on me to proceed. But
it was a feat beyond my performance, and I

returned to accompany the others by the safer
path.

At 2 30 we passed some straggling hamlets,
of which the huts were constructed of loose

stones, and at 3, arrived at the valley and
town of Seyk. Hitherto since leaving Ta-

ndf, we had not met with any individual;
but the inhabitants now crowded out in great

k 2