The herbage was of the kind called _nasee_, which is
very strengthening for the camels.
I believed that the Haghar would not follow the Kailouees upon their own
territory, but I was mistaken. Just before sunset, to our surprise, we
saw rising above the hills around the valley where we are encamped,
three mounted men. These mysterious Haghar are then determined, we
thought, to pursue us Christians as their natural prey! The men rode
coolly up and mingled with us, probably understanding and enjoying the
looks of suspicion and terror that greeted them. No one thought proper,
at first, to address them a single question; and they were allowed to
picket their maharees without molestation. It must be confessed that
there was no little agitation in our camp, and everything was done to
give any attacking force a warm reception. We made barricades of the
boat, and kept watch all night. We also scoured the valley all round to
see if there were any other people about.
I must insist, for the credit of our gallantry, that it was not of these
three men that we were afraid. Our caravan was composed of sixty
individuals capable of bearing arms, besides women and children. Our
camels also amounted to one hundred and seven. Had we not, therefore,
been tormented for so many days by rumours of intended attacks, we
should have laughed at these Haghars, however fierce might have been
their looks, and however hostile their intentions.
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