e the door.

The Sheikh himself received the stranger at the door of his tent. He was
a middle-aged man, of tall and commanding appearance, though the scowl
habitual to the Bedouins by reason of their constant exposure to the
sun, rested upon his face. He wore a kufiyah, or kerchief, of red and
yellow on his head, the ends falling on his shoulders behind in a
crimson fringe. His hair was black and greased, and his eyes, though
piercing, were not unkindly. His person was thin and muscular, but he
wore gracefully the long abba or outer cloak, white and embroidered,
which opened in front, disclosing an undergarment of figured muslin,
bound by a crimson sash. And there was native grace in every movement
when he came courteously forward and saluted Yusuf with the "Peace be
with you" of the Arabs. He then extended his hand to help the traveler
to dismount, and led him into the tent.

"Friend," he said, "a long journey and a close acquaintance with death
are, methinks, a good preparation for the enjoyment of Bedouin
hospitality, which, we sincerely hope, shall not be lacking in the tents
of Musa. Yet, in truth, it seems to us that thou art a fool-hardy man to
tempt the dangers of El Hejaz single-handed."

"So it has proved," returned the priest; "but a Persian, no more than an
Arab, will draw back at the first scent of danger. Yet I deplore these
delays, which but hinder me on my way. I had hoped long ere this to be
at the end of my journey."

"We will hear all this later," returned the Bedouin with quiet dignity;
"for the present, suffice it to keep quiet and let us wash this blood
from your hair. Hither, Aswan! Bring warm water, knave, and let the
traveler know that the Arab's heart is warm too. Now, friend-stranger,
rest upon these cushions, and talk later, if it please you."

With little enough reluctance, Yusuf lay down upon the pile of rugs and
cushions, and, while the attendants bathed his brow, looked somewhat
curiously about him.

[Illustration: He stood with upraised arms, gazing into the depths of
the sky.--See page 2.]

By the light of a dim lamp and a torch or two, he could see that the
tent was divided into two parts, as are all Bedouin tents, by a central
curtain. This curtain was occasionally twitched aside far enough to
reveal a pair of black eyes, and, from the softness of the voices which
sounded from time to time behind the folds, he surmised correctly that
this apartment belonged to the chief's wom