Page 227 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

188 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

visit, I simply stated, that it was not our cus­
tom to stand at any man’s door for the length

of time I had waited at his, and if he had

been aware of it, I was sorry he so lightly
considered the character of a British officer
as to suppose he would put up with such

treatment, and that if his slaves were our
servants, they would be severely punished

for their neglect. He expressed the utmost
surprise at all this, which he pretended to

have heard for the first time, observing that
he was at prayers, and hoped I would think

no more of the matter. He then took his
leave, swearing vengeance against his at­
tendants,—all which was, however, feigned,

—the very men being at that time standing
around him. It is but fair to confess that

such behaviour is by no means common, ex­
cepting, as in this instance, with petty

Sheikhs, who strive to enhance their dignity
in the eyes of their followers, by keeping per­

sons of any consideration waiting when they
call upon them.

The date trees on this coast form a con­
tinuous grove to Khorfakiin, a distance of

one hundred and fifty miles, and the Arabs