not a Kauflaah nor a traveller could he meet, whence a supply might be extracted, to be the means of providing for his guests; his home was penniless, and with the Bedouins, none give credit.  His bad success dispirited him, and he returned to the back of his tent, to consult what was best to be done in this emergency.  The only thing he possessed in the world fit for food was the animal on which he rode, from day to day, to levy contributions upon the passing traveller.

’His only immediate resource was to kill his favourite camel.  His honour was at stake; the sacrifice would be great; he was attached to the beast; the loss would be irreparable, he thought:—­yet every weighty argument on one side to preserve the camel’s life, was as quickly overturned in the reflection of his Arabian honour;—­his visitors must be fed, and this was the only way he could contrive the meal.  With trembling hands and half-averted eyes, the camel’s blood was shed; with one plunge his favourite ceased to breathe.  For some minutes, the Arab could not look on his poor faithful servant; but pride drove pity from her haunt, and the animal was quickly skinned and dressed in savoury dishes, with his wife’s assistance.  At length, the food prepared, the Arab and his wife placed the most choice portions before their guests, and whilst they dined attended them with respectful assiduity; selecting for each the most delicate pieces, to induce the travellers to eat, and evince the cordial welcome tendered by the host.[11]

’The travellers having dined; the Arab and his wife took their turn at the feast with appetites most keen,—­forgetful even, for the time, whence the savoury dishes were procured; and if an intruding thought of his favourite camel shot across the mind of the Arab, it was quickly chased in the reflection that his prided honour was secured by the sacrifice, and that reflection was to him a sufficient compensation.

’The pilgrims, refreshed by food, were not inclined to depart, and as they were urged to stay by their friendly host, they slept comfortably in the Arab’s tent, on coarse mats, the only bed known to the wandering Bedouins.  The morning found them preparing to pursue their march; but the Arab pressed their continuance another day, to share with him in the abundance his camel afforded for the whole of the party.  The travellers were not unwilling to delay their departure, for they had journeyed many days without much ease, and with very little food; their host’s conversation also was amusing, and this second day of hospitality by the Arab was an addition to the comfort and convenience of the weary pilgrims.