Page 264 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XIV.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 225

to be dyed blue, the imports. We passed

several enclosures of barley, and towards
evening halted near our former encampment
at the village of Ayal.

Contrary to Ali’s expectations, we got
through the night minus only a few trifling
articles, which we deserved to lose, because

they were left without the tent.
March AAth. Nearly the whole of the vil­
lage, at the instigation of Ali, watched
around us last night. I had killed three or

four sheep for them, and, either from being
too intent on their supper, or from some other
cause, a gun, sword, and a few other things

were purloined. In our present mode of tra­
velling we could ill spare those articles, and
I accordingly represented the matter to the
Sheikh, and he to the elders of the town.

After making a great noise, and a furious
debate, it was decided the articles should be

restored.
When this was resolved on, in order, it
would appear, to avert the disgrace and con­
sequent punishment of the offender, who, I

have reason to suppose, was a near relation
of the Sheikh’s, the latter issued directions

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