Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1913-01-23

In the morning, with the rising sun, the BedouI
arrive Before Relouan is awake their white
headdress was visible far down the sandy waste
that meets the fringe of Delta towards Cairo
But Helouan soon comes down to see. Few OF
them tarry here; they go straight through; the
Bedoufn do not like the people, houses tourists
They resent the cameras flourish their whips of
bunafOhide and trot past almost fiercely. There
is scorn in their eyes, they circle about their
wives. High on their splendid camels they have
a regal air, making the great brutes turn and
double as easily as horses, and shouting angrily
If anyone goes near the waterseers. This is
their last watering place before the tomb is
reached. and to trife with Bedouin's water is
like trifing with his wives And no wonder they
wear this princely mien, for the whole Imperial
desert is their home Upon the slower camels in
Their fordly train, sometimes four abreast their
women. all carefully yelled sit with the little
children. Some are hidden from sight in tent
like canvas, gorgeously striped and coored It
sways to and fro with the enormous knee-stroke
of the camels like boat at sea. Solemnly the
Mostem world files past across the sands And
we outsiders get no nearer, ask, stare and follow
as We may. The gulf it not bridged that lies be-
tween our minds and theirs. In vain we try
wondering what they think and feel and whato
emotions hide behind those fine bronze faces
Their politeness wells it all, their deep world
their courtesy screens revelation. They move
like the camels, at the pace of thousand years
unchanging We watch them across barriers
that is all. Note that old man praying alone
there. behind the munchng camel He has wash
ed his hands and feet; his carpet is spread on
the sand, and his shoes off. Mind heart and
soul are concentrated. He is oblvious to the
world about him as he bows towards the east
and his forehead taps the ground.
As the rises higher and night becomes
ali white, the fun begins in earnest Fantasia as
they call 1T, borrowing foreign word. A couple
OF mounted police from Helouan come down to
keep order and that the few inquisitive tour
lists from the hotels not 'moested. But their
services are not required. Only the little
children tr0t around with their incesatn demand
for baksheesh. The Arabs take no notice of us
outsiders, beyond makirs; way when we approach
Offering here and there a word of explanation
or inviting to drink coffee with them when we
draw near TO their fire-circles. The Fantasia
grows fast and furious. while the crouching cam
els MUNICH and the cries of goats and donkevs
mingie with the women's weird uIulating. In one
corner ring is formed and the band begins to
pay-two pipes and c tomtor To the endless
repetition of single phrase, half melody half
chant, enters Shetkh upon hts Arab horse The
gold and silver trappings geam in the moonlight
His head-dress shines; the horses metal neck
lace chinks and Tattles. Holding the reins in one
hand the other grips staff with its point in the
sand. round this he circles in and out making
figure of eight, the animal taking its small steps
proudly, neck arched tail flying. head held grace
fully erect. Suddenly the rider swings gun