They and their children, and their white-washed matted room, looked fresh, and clean, and pleasant.
I found that the handsomest, healthiest, and strongest girls are always sought for as brides for the Jerrars—that the health, strength, and beauty of which they are so proud, may be perpetuated in the family. I never heard of a Jerrar who could read or write, or even sign his name. On the other hand, many of the men of the Abdul Hady family are well educated, and set a high value on book learning; and the ladies of Arrabeh are somewhat polished, and look very different to the simple rustic women of Senûr. I made a sketch of the head of one of the wives while I tried to lead them into conversation, but I could not "bring them out." When I spoke they only looked wonderingly at me, laughed shyly at each other, or uttered some set phrase embodying a compliment or a prayer.
While I was resting and smoking a narghilé which they had prepared for me, I was suddenly called to rejoin my brother. I found that the young man who was set to watch the south-western approach to Senûr, had just given notice that he could see a body of Turkish cavalry issuing from the narrow valley into the plain below. Ibrahîm Jerrar told us that he knew that they were sent by Kamîl Pasha to search the town—to see if there were any Bedouins concealed there, ready to assist the people of Senûr in case of a siege. He added decidedly, "I have given my word of honor that there are no Bedouins within these walls. We are all peasants. No one shall live to pass through these gates, who attempts to enter with an armed force, to examine the town."
My brother reasoned with him. Ibrahîm declared that he would receive the commander of the approaching party peacefully, and with honor and courtesy, if he came alone; but if he approached with his soldiers the gates would be closed against him. The hurrying to and fro in the narrow streets showed that preparations for resistance were being made. My brother said to me, "I am perfectly satisfied
