Page 204 - Arabian Studies (II)

196 Arabian Studies II

midnight. They thought it was a corpse shrouded in white in
all probability.
6 Bathed with Evans and others, from the beach opposite the
camp. Visited the quarters of the 24th N.I. in Friday’s
Mosque and ascended its minaret. The sepoys were scattered
between the pillars in their picturesque costumes and
employed in cooking eating etc., a fine-looking set of fellows,
generally with handsome features well-formed.
Went into another mosque near it which was in a very
dilapidated state. The sepoys with their usual hostility to
Mahometanism had destroyed the wooden tombs and carried
off the materials for fuel. Entered two other small mosques
but saw nothing particularly interesting. We then proceeded
to explore the tanks we had omitted to visit yesterday,
having heard from Captain H. that there (was) one still
contained water but were unsuccessful in our search for it. In
the centre valley we saw a well said to be 120 feet deep. The
water we could distinctly perceive flowing at the bottom. It
is the best water in Aden. The stones at the side were worn
several inches deep by the cords used to raise the water,
which shows that it must have been much frequented.
On our return breakfasted at 11 and afterwards I hired
three camels, at the rate of a rupee each, to convey the tomb,
myself and servant to Back Bay, where I arrived in safety
with it, went onboard and had it stowed away and then
rowed towards the pass with the intention of returning to the
town to dine with the artillery mess. En passant saw Stack
and Trower on board the Arnaad and took them back to the
Kite to fetch at the same time some things I had forgotten.
Thence back to the Arnaad and sailed in her boat to the pass,
where we did not arrive till past 7 when it was too late to
think of keeping my appointment. Found Otley there and
not having tasted anything since breakfast was glad to
partake of some biscuit and butter.
7 Played chess with S. and T. till 11 at the tent. Breakfasted at
the tent. Reading till one. Called at Captain H.’s and dined
there. Walked to the tombs with him. J. and D. here, we saw
an obelisk with good inscriptions, which the latter personage,
attempted to lift and letting it fall, snapped it in two. It was
of beautifully white marble. Tea at Capt. H.’s and then to the
camp where E. and J. played whist at Captain McIntyre’s tent
till 3.
8 Evans being on guard at the pass, walked up there,
breakfasted in the guard-room and took leave of him with
mutual promises of corresponding. My baggage was taken to
the beach opposite the shipping and I walked there.