They killed to-day one of the largest serpents they had seen:  it is called liffa by the Arabs, and its bite is said to be mortal, unless the part is instantly cut out.  It is a mistaken idea that all the serpent tribe are called liffa; this species alone bears the name; it has two horns, and is of a light brown colour.  Major Denham’s old Choush Ghreneim had a distorted foot, which was but of little use to him except on horseback, from the bite of one of those poisonous reptiles, notwithstanding the part infected was cut out; he was for thirteen months confined to his hut, and never expected to recover.

Arabs are always on the look out for plunder, “’Tis my vocation, Hal,” none were ashamed to acknowledge it, but they were on this occasion to act as an escort, to oppose banditti, and not play the part of one.  Nevertheless, they were greatly dissatisfied at having come so far, and done so little; they formed small parties for reconnoitering on each side of the road, and were open-mouthed for any thing that might offer.  One fellow on foot had traced the marks of a flock of sheep, to a small village of tents to the east of their course, and now gave notice of the discovery he had made, but that the people had seen him, and he believed struck their tents.  Major Denham felt that he should be a check upon them in their plunderings, and he, Boo Khaloom, and about a dozen horsemen, with each a footman behind him, instantly started for their retreat, which lay over the hills to the east.  On arriving at the spot, in a valley of considerable beauty, where these flocks and tents had been observed, they found the place quite deserted.  The poor affrighted shepherds had moved off with their all, knowing too well what would be their treatment from the Naz Abiad (white people), as they call the Arabs.  Their caution, however, was made the excuse for plundering them, and a pursuit was instantly determined upon.  “What! not stay to sell their sheep—­the rogues, we’ll take them without payment.”  They scoured two valleys, without discovering the fugitives, and Major Denham began to hope that the Tibboos had eluded their pursuers, when after crossing a deep ravine, and ascending the succeeding ridge, they came directly on two hundred head of cattle, and about twenty persons, men, women, and children, with ten camels, laden with their tents and other necessaries, all moving off.  The extra Arabs instantly slipped from behind their leaders, and with a shout rushed down the hill; part headed the cattle to prevent their escape, and the most rapid plunder immediately commenced.  The camels were instantly brought to the ground, and every part of their load rifled; the poor girls and women lifted up their hands to Major Denham, stripped as they were to the skin, but he could do nothing more for them beyond saving their lives.  A sheik and a marabout assured Major Denham, it was quite lawful to plunder those, who left their tents instead of