Chapter Five Summary

Captain Aubrey and his crew sailed upon the Dromedary to their destination. They were accompanied by Dr Maturin, a clergyman named Mr. Martin, and a middle eastern interpreter named Mr. Hairabedian. The Dromedary encountered good weather and arrived earlier than expected. Unfortunately, the Dromedary's arrival coincided with Ramadan, and since the majority of Mubara's inhabitants were Muslims, they were fasting in seclusion and there was no one to welcome Captain Aubrey and his crew. They dismounted and entered the town where they met the leader known as an Effendi. Through Mr. Hairabedian's interpretation services, Aubrey learned the the Effendi would be pleased to provide them with transport and supplies in a few days once Ramadan had concluded. Aubrey was unwilling to wait however, and he requested only camels that were immediately available. The men marched and the camels carried their possessions...