t
I should have had to hold my tongue from the moment I set foot on shore.
I wish that my space would allow me to describe my journey, for it
lasted a considerable number of days, and was very amusing. We pushed
on as rapidly as the strength of our steeds would allow, though that was
far from fast enough to suit Mr Vernon's impatience. We met with a
variety of adventures also. At night we used to halt, and pitch our
tent, and fetch water, and cook our supper; while our followers would
sit before the fire, recounting their adventures, or boasting of the
deeds of their ancestors or friends, or telling tales of genii or
ghouls, and a variety of other beings, in whose existence they firmly
believe. As we journeyed on, we killed a quantity of game, chiefly
partridges, which crossed our path in great numbers; and now and then we
got a shot at a wild boar, and knocked him over. At night, watch was
always kept with a good fire, or we should have had the jackals, who
were always howling round us, paying us a visit. These beasts the Moors
do not object to eat, though they will not touch pig. We one day fell
in with an encampment of a powerful tribe, the Sheikh of which insisted
on my master, Taleb Moostafa, otherwise Lieutenant Vernon, dining with
him. I accompanied him for the pleasure of looking on, though, of
course, I was not expected to eat likewise. On arriving at the tent of
the Sheikh, we found him seated within it, on a cushion, covered with
thick skin, another being placed for the Taleb, or scribe, for to that
learned profession Mr Vernon thought he might venture to belong. A
variety of compliments having passed, a table was brought in and placed
between them. It was circular, about two feet in diameter, and scarcely
more than six inches from the ground, richly inlaid and painted in
arabesque. A large bowl, full of a highly-seasoned soup, with some sort
of macaroni in it, was first placed on the table. The bowl contained
spoons, with which the guests were to help themselves at the same time.
Next came a plate of beef, much stewed, and garnished with melons; and
lastly a huge dish of kesksoo,--a thick porridge, made of wheaten flour
piled up, which the Sheikh attacked most vigorously, while my master
attempted to follow his example. When dinner was over, some of the
tribe assembled on horseback, and played all sorts of pranks. Some
stood on their heads while their horses went; they charged each other at
a r