Page 297 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

258 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

the number of troops he could otherwise bring
into the field was estimated at four thousand
only. When the Imfim, in 1829, undertook

an expedition against the Island of Bahrein,
he endeavoured, by the payment of a con­

siderable sum of money, to secure the co­
operation of Tan fin ; but when the hour of
attack arrived, his lukewarmness was so ap­

parent, that it is to this day believed he also
received a bribe from the other side.

The surveying vessels, in 1828, received
much attention from this chief, who was very

fond, during their intercourse with him, of
engaging in the several games with which

the officers and men passed away their lei­
sure hours, and equally happy if they would
share in those of his own people. On these

occasions the most perfect good humour ex­
isted. One day, an officer had been matched

to run on foot against Tanfin, who was in
person rather short, but very active, and with

abundant vivacity, and love of amusement.
For some time after they had started the

officer held the lead, but finding, as he ap­
proached the goal, that the longer-winded
little Sheikh was about to pass him, he threw