Page 232 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XII.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 193

Sheikh’s wife, a sister of Sayyid S’aid’s, heard
the intelligence, she sent messengers to collect

the various Bedowin tribes who were in the
interest of her husband, and made other pre­

parations to march in person against the do­
minions of the Irntim ; but before any succours
could arrive, the latter had despatched a force

to Suwei'k, in order to take possession of the
fort, with an assurance, that unless it was given

up, the Sheikh should be put to death. “ Go
back,” said this spirited female, when the

message was delivered to her ; “ Go back to
those who sent you, and tell them that I will

defend the fort to the utmost of my power;
and if they choose to cut him to pieces before
me, they will find it make no alteration in my

resolution.” She accordingly defended it with
so much bravery and skill, that the Imam’s

force, after losing several men and wasting
considerable time, were compelled to raise the

siege and proceed to Maskat. Some months
afterwards, the Imam became convinced of

the falsehood of the charges exhibited against
the Sheikh, and permitted him to return to
his own government.

The Sheikh’s sister distinguished herself in

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