unrecognized, into the tent where strangers were received. Her visor
was, however, lowered, like that of a horseman of Hijaz. Slaves and
servants received her, offered her hospitality, comporting themselves
towards her as to one of the guests, and the most noble personages of
the land. That night Djaida took rest; but the following day she joined
the military exercises, challenged many cavaliers, and exhibited so much
address and bravery, that she produced great astonishment among the
spectators. Long before noon the horsemen of her cousin were compelled
to acknowledge her superiority over themselves. Khaled wished to witness
her prowess, and, surprised at the sight of so much skill, he offered to
match himself with her. Djaida entered the contest with him, and then
both of them joining in combat tried, one after another, all the methods
of attack and defence, until the shadows of night came on. When they
separated both were unhurt, and none could say who was the victor. Thus
Djaida, while rousing the admiration of the spectators, saw the
annoyance they felt on finding their chief equalled in fight by so
skilful an opponent. Khaled ordered his antagonist to be treated with
all the care and honor imaginable, then retired to his tent, his mind
filled with thoughts of his conflict. Djaida remained three days at her
cousin's habitation. Every morning she presented herself on the ground
of combat, and remained under arms until night. She enjoyed it greatly,
still keeping her _incognito_, whilst Khaled, on the other hand,
made no enquiries, and asked no questions of her, as to who she was and
to what tribe she might belong.

On the morning of the fourth day, while Khaled, according to his custom,
rode over the plain, and passed close to the tents reserved for
strangers, he saw Djaida mounting her horse. He saluted her, and she
returned his salute. "Noble Arab," said Khaled, "I should like to ask
you one question. Up to this moment I have failed in courtesy towards