Page 135 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

116 SURVEY OF THE [CH.

enured to the perilous navigation of the Red
Sea, and was navigated by old Seroor, de­
servedly accounted the most skilful as well as
undaunted seaman that ever sailed upon its
waters, we were several times in most imminent
danger. At these moments, the sturdy old
helmsman stood with his head bared, his few

grey locks streaming in the breeze, and his
face completely drenched with the spray that
incessantly dashed over the boat. In this
manner, he directed our course with admir­
able skill and coolness over seas and through
violent gusts that menaced us with destruc­
tion. To the spectator, who contemplated
our progress from a place of safety, this scene
could not fail of presenting a striking and
admirable picture of human skill successfully
contending against the fury of the raging ele­

ments. At length we arrived at Magnah,
where Sheikh ’Al&y&n received us on the
beach with much cordiality, and assigned a
hut for our residence.
The morning repast being concluded, we
paid him a complimentary visit. After pass­
ing through an enclosure where camels, asses,
and other cattle had been stabled, our con­
ductor ushered us into a low dirty hovel, the