In one of the valleys we again came upon a Bedouin's camp.

We rode up to the tents and asked for a draught of water, instead of which these people very kindly gave us some dishes of excellent buttermilk.

In all my life I never partook of any thing with so keen a relish as that with which I drank this cooling beverage after my fatiguing ride in the burning heat.

Count Zichy offered our entertainers some money, but they would not take it.

The chief stepped forward and shook several of us by the hand in token of friendship; for from the moment when a stranger has broken bread with Bedouins or Arabs, or has applied to them for protection, he is not only safe among their tribe, but they would defend him with life and limb from the attacks of his enemies.
Still it is not advisable to meet them on the open plain; so contradictory are their manners and customs.
We were now advancing with great strides towards a more animated, if not a more picturesque landscape, and frequently met and overtook small caravans.