Page 448 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XXV.] NAKAB EL HAJAR. 409

off, and we were therefore cautioned by our
guides to keep a good look-out for their ap­
proach. But after spreading our boat-cloaks
in the sand, we were little annoyed by any

apprehensions of this nature, and slept very
soundly until the following morning.
The Diyabi Bedowins possess a great ex­

tent of country, and are very numerous and
powerful. In their political constitution they
differ from any other tribe in this vast penin­
sula with which I have become acquainted,

either personally or by report. Instead of
choosing a Sheikh or Sultan as their repre­
sentative power, they are split into seven

divisions, each governed by a chief, called
Abu, who exercises what may be termed a
patriarchal authority over them. These chiefs

assemble for the discussion of all affairs con­
nected with the general interest of the tribe,
their decisions being regulated by a majo­

rity of voices. In certain cases this office
of Abu is hereditary, but more generally it is
filled by individuals whose superior sagacity,
experience, and courage entitle them to that

distinction. Some peculiar usages also exist
among the Diyabi Bedowins, with respect to