But he was very quick to take my advice not to start anything that might bring on a breach of the peace.

Old Anazeh's short preliminary sermon to his followers, about the need of always keeping God in mind, was not addressed to us.
Prayers finished, they proceeded to cut up and cook the sheep.
Ahmed and I subdued the voice of conscience without noticeable effort and ate our share of the stolen goods.

Ahmed said that, seeing how little was left for him when the rest had all been served, he sinned only in small degree, but that my share, as an honoured guest, was huge, and the sin proportionate.

So I gave him some of my meat, and he ate it, and we were equally sinful-- one more bond cementing an "eternal friendship!" We had hardly finished eating when an Arab on a gray horse came riding furiously down a ravine that looked like a dry water- course.

He was brought up all-standing fifty yards away.