"He will say next that it was he who set the stars in the sky over El-Kerak, and makes the moon rise!" Ali Shah al Khassib was the first to speak.

He was heard to the end respectfully, none interrupting.

But it seemed obvious from their faces that not a few sheikhs were disposed to question both his leadership and most of what he said.

Mahommed ben Hamza kept up a running whisper of interpretation, breathing into my ear until it was wet with condensed breath.

I had to use a handkerchief repeatedly.
Ali Shah al Khassib made no definite proposal.