Page 193 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

154 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH

event renders it necessary for them to do so.

Their actions, as I have often witnessed on
these occasions, are all directed to assimilat­

ing their party as nearly as possible in dress
and manners to the Bedowins. The change

in point of appearance, from the staid, sober
demeanour of a resident Arab, to all the

buoyancy, laughter, and wild freaks of the
former, is most amusing.

Seeing our party so well mounted, I could
not help inquiring of the Sheikh his reason

for not adopting some active measures for
putting down the robber hordes which infest

this district. “ Our camels are, as you ob­
serve, very fine animals,” said Abin Arish,

“ and I have no reason to doubt the courage
of my followers ; but the robbers approach in

parties of thirty or forty, bringing with them
several led camels, on which, frequently be­

fore any force can be raised to oppose them,
the plunder is placed, and they are away in
full retreat to their Desert. Thither, from our

total unacquaintance with their haunts, we

are unable to follow, and moreover, whenever
we do give chase, it is soon found that our
camels are no match in point of fleetness