t, had voluntarily
humiliated itself to receive its load, after this had been packed upon
it, refused to rise to its feet. The beast either deemed the burden
inequable and unjust (for the Arabian camel, like the Peruvian llama,
has a very acute perception of fair play in this respect) or a fit of
caprice had entered its mulish head. For one reason or another it
exhibited a stern determination not to oblige its owner by rising to its
feet; but continued its genuflexion in spite of every effort to get it
on all-fours.

Coaxing and cajolery were tried to no purpose. Kicking by sandalled
feet, scourging with whips, and beating with cudgels produced no better
effect; and to all appearance the obstinate brute had made up its mind
to remain in the oasis, and let the tribe depart without it.

At this crisis an ingenious method of making the camel change its mind
suggested itself to its master; or perhaps he had practised it on some
former occasion. Maddened by the obstinacy of the animal, he seized
hold of an old burnouse, and rushing up, threw it over its head. Then
drawing the rag tightly around its snout, he fastened it in such a
manner as completely to stop up the nostrils.

The camel, finding its breathing thus suddenly interrupted, became
terrified; and without further loss of time, scrambled to its feet; to
the great amusement of the women and children who were spectators of the
scene.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

WATERING THE CAMELS.

In an incredibly short space of time the tents were down, and the
_douar_ with all its belongings was no longer to be seen; or only in the
shape of sundry packages balanced upon the backs of the animals.

The last operation before striking out upon the desert track, was the
watering of these: the supply for the journey having been already dipped
up out of the pool, and poured into goat's-skin sacks.

The watering of the camels appeared to be regarded as the most important
matter of all. In this performance every precaution was taken, and
every attention bestowed, to ensure to the animals a full supply of the
precious fluid, perhaps from a presentiment on the part of their owners
that they themselves might some day stand in need of, and make use of,
the same water!

Whether this was the motive or not, every camel belonging to the horde
was compelled to drink till its capacious stomach was quite full; and
the quantity consumed by each would be incredible to any other than the