Page 141 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

102 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

they asserted, and Saaf’s influence rid me of
the latter.

After obtaining a meridian observation for

the latitude, which I made 22’41, we left our
encampment. In passing through the town

a crowd of Vagabonds (aided by all the
children) rose up and fairly hooted us through

it. A few stones were also thrown, one of
which struck me on the arm. I then turned

to a group of old men, and inquired if it were
possible that this could be a town of Sayyid

S’aid’s? They made an attempt at inter­
ference ; but it was very plainly to be per­

ceived that they were rather pleased than dis­

satisfied at the riot. At last, feeling seriously
apprehensive for my servants, who were fol­
lowing at some distance, I faced about to join

them, and the inhabitants seeing I had fire­

arms, and thinking I was about to use them,
scampered off in all directions. We availed

ourselves of this panic, and got through the
gate, after which they did not attempt to fol­

low us. It is disturbances of this nature
which a traveller has most to fear, for a mob

in an Eastern town, when once raised, quickly

proceeds to acts of violence; but I must re­