Page 401 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)
P. 401
362 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [cil.
Sur, and sent for the Sheikh of the former
tribe, who resides some distance inland.
Fearing the vengeance of the English, whose
power he had already too severely felt, if he
came, but dreading still more to refuse, he
gave an unwilling assent, and proceeded, ac
companied by the whole of his tribe, to the
sea-beach. When there, they strove by tears
and entreaties to dissuade him from his pur
pose of proceeding to the vessel, under a de
cided impression, as they explained to ine,
that he would be carried to Bombay, and im
prisoned, as before. Nevertheless, he went,
was received with much attention, and, after
concluding a treaty, by which he bound him
self, under condition of receiving a handsome
salvage on future occasions, to collect and
take charge of the property of any British
vessels wrecked on the shores of his terri
tories, he was again landed. The joy of his
tribe, who remained in the greatest terror
and anxiety during his absence, now knew
no bounds ; and, after being nearly suffocated
by their anxiety to salute him, he was placed
on the shoulders of two of their number, and
carried away in triumph.