'Through Persia on a side-saddle' [‎229] (266/360)

TO KUHAK AND THE FRONTIER COMMISSION 229
wide, and grumbling and gurgling somewhat like a very
naughty boy in a tremendous passion, and even when they
are up on their springy padded feet again they utter more
remonstrances, and twist up their absurdly inadequate
tails. The Baluchi's ride one behind another on their
camels, and the man who has the front seat climbs with his
bare feet up the shoulder and neck of the lofty beast, which
only kneels to receive one of its riders; the creatures are
driven by a rope halter, and guided and punished by being
struck on the neck with a light stick. The human voice
comes much into play in this part of the world. Noises
somewhat resembling such sounds as ' M-m-m ' and
< Dru-u' urge the camels on; while a sort of 'Hah'
induces them to quench their thirst when there is enough
water—they would probably stand by the pool or stream,
wrapt in a reverie, for an hour at a time if this form of
persuasion were not resorted to. " The life of a camel is
but forty days " is a Baluchi proverb, referring to the little
hold these primeval sort of creatures appear to have on
existence, a camel lying down and giving up the ghost on
the merest pretext. On the other hand, they are wonder
fully good climbers, carrying their loads up and down the
steepest passes; and we noticed that whenever they were
unloaded and let loose they invariably made their way
to the summit of the low hills and would stand there
silhouetted against the sky-line.