ABSTRACT
The valley was here again very broad; and there were wide grassy plains, interspersed with tamarisk bushes. In some places there were acres of land furrowed up, as if with the plough, but in reality by the wild boars, which must be very numerous. ~No wonder the peasants, in cultivated countries, dislike them. Here there is nothing to be injured. The sun was getting low, as we passed some ruins, Greek or Roman, which are marked on the map as Zenobia's baths. They are of flat bricks and concrete, mere bits of ruined wall, still called el Hammam (the baths). Near these we found a camp of Afuddli Arabs, a low tribe, but interesting as
were covered with the sharp points of nnderwood which had been cleared, and would have made but uncomfortable lying; besides, there was not a blade of grass there for the horses, which are now reduced to what they can pick up. So Wilfrid decided that, lions or no lions, we should sleep in the open tonight. We have chosen our bivouac on a high bank, where there is grass, and with a deep hollow between us and the jungle. Wilfrid has taken his gun and gone for a walk, while Hanna and I have been very busy getting dinner ready,—and a very good dinner, I think, it will be.
