My interpreter's services were then called in, but it was not without demur and a long consultation with his suite that Malak consented to accompany me to Gwarjak on the morrow.
Matters were finally arranged, on the understanding that I did not remain more than one day at Gwarjak, but proceeded to Kelat without delay.
I strolled out with a gun in the evening, and managed to bag a brace of partridges, which swarmed in the maize and barley fields.
Overcoming the fears of the women, I was permitted to approach and inspect, though not enter, one of their dwellings.

The latter, constructed of dried palm leaves, were about fifteen feet long by eight feet broad, and were entirely devoid of rugs, carpets, or furniture of any kind, and indescribably filthy.

The men, though shy and suspicious, would have been friendly, had it not been for Malak, who followed me like a shadow; but nothing would induce the women and children to approach either Gerome or myself.

"What is this ?" said one old fellow to Malak, stroking my face with his horny, grimy palm.

"I never saw anything like it before." Most of the men were clothed in dirty, discoloured rags.