Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

222 THE BEDOUTN AND

trusty,—he never yet lied to his master. This
labaadhar of yours he has taken a fancy to it
seems; but you shall have my coat of better
looking stuff for your old chintz garment. We
will exchange labaadhars, my friend,' said the
Arab, throwing his own towards the hesitating
traveller. His fellow-pilgrims, hearing alterca-
tion, advanced, and with surprise listened to the
parley going on between the host and guest.—
' I have a veneration for my chintz, old as it is,'
said the pilgrim; ' it has been my companion
for many years, brother; indeed I cannot part
with it,' The dog held fast the garment, and the
Arab, finding persuasion was but loss of words,
cast a frown of deep meaning on the tra-
vellers, and addressed them :•—' Ye came to
me beggars, hungry and fatigued ; I believed
ye were poor, and I sheltered ye these two
days, and fed ye with my best; nay, more, I
even killed my useful camel, that your hunger
might be appeased. Had I known there was
money with any of ye, my poor beast's life
might yet have been spared; but it is too late
to repent the sacrifice I made to serve you.'