'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎111] (220/496)

Ill
bivouac. A sheep purchased from some Bedouins living in the valley, was
slain, cooked, and devoured in less than an hour : the method of cooking
was by spreading the flesh on large stones previously heated in the fire.
It was extremely good, and as I had tasted nothing since the morning, I
might have competed with my wild companions in doing justice to it,
but unfortunately there was nothing to take with it—not even a bit of
salt. Before sunrise next morning we resumed our journey, and at noon
halted at a small date grove, from whence the Sheik’s house is distant
about one mile. The first hour or two after our arrival was wholly taken
up in receiving and returning salutations, every soul apparently in the
place flocking towards us ; and as on the approach of every new comer all
present arose and remained standing till he had saluted every one of our
party, I was never more pleased in my life than when a slave desired me
to follow him for the purpose of taking some refreshment. I was greatly
surprised to observe that even a slave on his approach to salute the Sheik,
was treated with the same respect by the company rising to receive him :
the slaves, however, invariably kissed the Sheik’s hand, and most of them
made the motion of doing so to all of us. At sunset set out for the
Sheik’s residence, which we soon reached, and found it a mere hut erect
ed under the shelter of a tree. Carpets were immediately spread un
der some adjoining trees for the accommodation of myself, Said bin Ab-
dalla, and our attendants, and supper served up. The Sheik did not
join us, as it is not the custom for the host to do so, but made his ap
pearance with the coffee when the edibles were removed, and remained
till near midnight. In the morning, when about two miles from the date
grove where we halted for the day, met a party of three Arabs and with
them a slave. Some conversation took place, when I observed the Sheik
ordar one of his followers (a nephew) to dismount and give his camel
to the slave, who returned in our company, as also his companions, the
three Bedouins. From observing no signs of anger at the time, I fancied
they were a party purposely come out to meet the Sheik : I was therefore
greatly surprised to learn, in the course of conversation, that these men
had kidnapped the slave from a neighbouring tribe, and when met w^ere
on their way to Bedeyer to sell him. One of the thieves was present when
the Sheik told me this, and instead of shewing the slightest annoyance
at having failed in his design (the slave was to be returned,) he was one
of the loudest in the laugh raised at my expense when I explained how
theft was punished in my country. The slave trade was likewise discuss
ed, and the utmost astonishment w~as expressed at the efforts of the Eng
lish to put it down, observing that it was an indisputable fact that
“ negroes were especially created to be the servants of the white man,”