Evening star., 1936-01-05

The mare was meant for the hunt
and the raid, and the motorcar is
taking the place of the horse and also
of the picturesque camel litter. the
huge crescent shaped frames on the
backs of their camels in which the
women and children of the chiefs
used to ride.
The ancient sport of falconry is also
passing out with the coming of the
motorcar. Every morning used to see
thirty or more slaves leave the chiefs
tent, mount their mares and with
falcons in hand and greyhounds trail
ing them, ride forth with the rising
sun to hunt gazelles, bustards, hares
and pintail grouse. In the afternoon,
after the tribe had migrated on to a
new camping place fifteen or twenty
five miles away, the slaves would re-
turn with game for the meatpots of
their masters.
Other great changes in their mode of
life are taking place: The blood feud,
for example, which was not meant to
cause but to prevent bloodshed.
Almost as old as the desert is its
hospitality. Even it is not sacred to
the new influences. A warm welcome
is due any traveller by the desert code.
So far has this hospitality been carried
through the centuries that man who
can reach the tent of his enemy must
be treated as a guest.
was staying with Sheik Tai when
a man named Audan who had killed
Tai's cousin rode over the horizon. 1t
was night and no one recognized him.
Tai was bound by the law of the
blood feud to kill not only Audan but
also Audan's two nearest male rela-
tives. Under the ancient custom of the
desert, Audan could save his own life
and the lives Of his relations in one
way - by obtaining shelter as guest
with his enemy. This Audan sought
to do. Still unrecognized, he dashed
within the tent ropes - and imme-
diately was safe from Tai's sworn
vengeance. Tai had to treat him as his
guest. Audan could have remained all
his life if he wished, and as matter
of fact he did remain for many months
as an honored guest and was gener-
ously provided for. Also, so long as
he remained under the countenance
of Tai" the other members of Audan's
family were safe. no matter where
they were.
Perhaps Audan became lonely for
his people, for one day when Tai and !
returned from wolf hunting we found
he had gone. He had stolen my best
war mare and fast racing camel to
use in his fight. Sheik Tai was ready
for the chase. His primitive soul de-
manded that he make the kill which
would wipe out the long standing
blood feud. But for three days and
four hours Sheik Tai waited in his
tent. Audan had been his guest and a
guest by the honor of the desert is
entitled to three days and four hours
start on his journey. This Audan got.
barely noticed the incident, so long
had l accepted this condition as an
inviolate custom.
Soon also left Tai and, in parting,
he presented me with a coffee mortar
that had been in his family for cen
turies. When | reached the camp OF
the Shammar, with whom Audan was
staying. he returned my mare with
out saying thanks (Which is also Gus
tomary). He saw the coffee mortar
that Tai had given me and asked me
to lend it to him - he wanted to use
it, he said, as means of reconcilia.
ton with Tai.
A strange happening followed
Audan took his wife, his daughter. one
slave and some camels and went back
to Tai's tent.
Tai saw him coming and rushed out
pulling his gun to shoot him. But