Page 209 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

170 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

camel-leader breaking the overheated sultri­

ness of the atmosphere—now chanting to the
utmost extent of his voice some traditionary

song, or in reproachful accents chiding for
tardiness or wanderings his docile, patient

charge. Each animal has its separate rider,
and as the whole train becomes exposed to
view, the ever-ready matchlock and sword

denote the general insecurity of the country,

while the gay trappings of the camels, their
lighter colour, the long woollen tufts sus­
pended from the party-coloured saddles, and

almost sweeping along the ground, stand out
in bold relief from the dark and frowning

crags around. We had a strong breeze, with
dark cloudy weather, throughout the whole of

the day. At four hours we halted at the
hamlet of Byah.

Thursday ISth. The camel-men this morn­
ing were very clamorous, and from some whim

of their own, after packing, they again re­
moved everything from the camels, refusing

to proceed, and at 11 a.m. were about to re­
turn to Neswah, leaving us to shift for our­

selves. An old man, despatched by the
Sheikh of Neswah, on a supposition that