Page 233 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

194 TRAVELS IN OMAN.

a similar manner while in charge of the same
fort, against an unexpected attack made by

the Sheikh of Sohar. The latter was passing-
on his road to Rostak, witli a body of about
two hundred men, without any apparent in­

tention of acting against it, when he suddenly
turned, and brought the whole of his force

before the walls.
Though the Sheikh was absent, his place

was well supplied by this lady, who closed
the gates, collected the garrison, harangued
them, and finally made such good use of the

guns, which are mounted on the towers, that
after a stay of three days, and several in­

effectual attempts to lead his troops again to
the assault, the Sheikh was obliged to abandon

his enterprise.
Report says that Sayyid Hilal feels the

greatest respect for, and stands in some awe of
this dame, without whose advice and concur­
rence he undertakes nothing of moment.