"There isn't a woman in that place I would burden a camel with." "Nevertheless, we should take some women to keep as hostages against the time when a blood-feud begins." "And surely we shall carry off some camels." "Aye! They have a horse or two as well.

Abbas Mahommed trades with El-Kerak, and only last month acquired a fine brown mare that caught my eye." "What are fifty men! We can fight twice fifty of such spawn as the Beni Yussuf." _"Wallah!_ They ran when the police paid them a visit.

Ran from the police!" "Yes, and were afraid to kill the Jew who sued Abbas Mahommed in the court for arrears of interest.

They are cowards who dare not take their sheikh's part in a dispute." "Better wait until dawn, and then ride by their village and defy them." But the lady Ayisha had the most astonishing suggestion.

She came out from under the curtains of the _shibrayah_ and sat against her camel's rump to face the circle of armed men and instruct them.
_"Taib!"_ she said scornfully.