Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-03-23
STRIKING PICTURE OF ARAB
HOSPITAL VTV


The following singular incident is narrated in
Mrs. Hassan AIi's book on the habits ard
pursuits of Musselmen in India.
Six Musselmen from India were travelling
on foot in Arabia; they assumed the title of
pilgrim mendecants. On a certain day, they
drew nigh to tent Of Bedouin Arab, who
went out to meet them, and entering into con-
versation, soon discovered by their talk that
they were p5or pilgrims from India, who de-
pended on casual bounties from men of their
faith for their daily meal. The Bedouin, tho
robber. had respect for the commands of re-
llglOn; and with that respect be boosted a
due share of Yospitable feeling towards all
who were Of his own faith; he accordingly
told them they were welcome to his home
and the best meal be could provide for them
which offer they gladly accepted and follow
cd him to the tent
The Arab desired his wife to take water 20
his guests, CT 8 wash their feet after fatigue
of their day iaafch, and told her IN secret to
divert their attention whilst he Went cut In
search of PlunJer, that the hospitality OF an
Arab might ID shown the strangers. Then
mounting his fleet camel he was quick cut
Of sight. Many a weary circuit the Arab
made, his Ill STARS prevailed; not a kaufiaah
nor travellertcoul he meet, whence a sup
ply might be 'extr.cted to be the means of
providing FOR his guests his house was pen
nyiess, and with she Bedouins none gave
credit. His had success disputed him, and
he retUrnedeo:the back Of his tent to consult
what was b.ss to be done in this emerqencv.
The only thing he possessed in the world fit
/ for food was TIE animal on which he rode
from day to day, to.leyy contribution upon
the passing traveller. His cnly immediate
resource was 10 kilE his favorite camel His
honor was at etakes the sacrifice would be
great; he was attached to the beast; the loss
would be irreparab-e, he thought; yet every
welghty argument ON one side to preserve the
cameIs lie " as as~QuIckiy overturned In the
reflection Of his Arsbian honor; his visiters
must be fed, and tzis was the only way he
could cOntriye{ 1he= meal With trembling
hands and half aye-ted eyes the camel's blood
was shed with o5e plunge his favorite ceas-
cd TO breathe. F-r some minutes, the A
rab could not look IN his poor faithful servaI t;
nut pride drove ply from her haunt, and the
animal was qaic1ly skinned and dressed in
savory dishes witty his wife's assistance
At length the foodzprepared the Arab and his
wife placed the most choice portions before
their guests, and Shilst they dined, attended
them with respectful assiduity; selecting the
most delicate pieces to induce the travellers
to eat and and ev5nce the cordial welcome
rendered by the hest. The travellers having
dined, the Arab ard his wife took their turn
at the feast with sppetites most keen; forget
/ ful, even for TING, whence the savory dishes
were procured, AID if an intruding thought
/ of his favorise caIsel shot across the mind of
the Arab, it was Quickly chased in the refiec-
/ ton that his pridsd honor was secured by the
sacrifice. and tbat.refiection was to him a suf-
fcient compensation.
! The pilgrims, Iafreshed by food, We're not
inclined to C.eparx and as they were lged to
stay by thsis frierdly host, they slept COM
fortably in the AHb's tent on coarse mats,
the only beds knGsn to the wandering Bedou-
ms. The pkorniLg found them preparing to
pursue theif nrasnh; but the Arab pressed
their stay asothe- day, to share with him the
abundance His camel afforded for the whole OF
the party. ,I'he travellers were not unwilling
to delay their departure, for they had journey
ed many days WITHOUT much ease and very lit
tie food: their hosts conversation also was
amusing ard the.second days hospitality By
the Arab vsls am addition to the comfort and
conveniencI of tse weary pilgrims.
The follswing~morning, as was fixed, thu
/ travellers rsse tCs take leave of their benevo
/ lent host AID his attentive wife; each as he
embraced tie Arssb had some grateful word:
to add, for Jhe god they had received at his
hands. The las- of the pilgrims having EN-
braced the sArabxwas walking from the tent
when the dog be.onging to the lost seize,
the man by the syarment and held him last
. What is this = inquired the Arab. ''surel,
you must pave feeeived me; ;, my dog is WIS
This labaaslhar # yours he has taken a fame
to. it seems; 5st you shall have my seat c
better IooJing etuff fo- your old chintz ga
ment. we WI exchange labaadhars, m
{ friend. SAP the-Arab, throwing his own tow
ards the liesita-ng traveller. His fellow pi