Finally the votaries put on sandals peculiar in that nothing pertaining
to them might cover the instep; then they stood up in a row faced toward
Mecca, and repeated the ancient formula of dedication of the _Ihram_ to
the Almighty slowly intoned for them by the guide.

The solemn demeanor of the men during the ceremony, which was tedious
and interspersed with prayers and curious recitals, deeply impressed the
Prince, who at the end of the scene retired into his tent, with his
three mute attendants, and there performed the vows for himself and
them. There also they all assumed the indispensable costume. Then, as he
well might do, the law permitting him to seek the shade of a house or a
tent, he had a rug spread before his door, where, in the fresh white
attire, he seated himself, and with a jar of expressed juice of
pomegranates at his side made ready to witness the passing of the
caravans, the dust of which was reported visible in the east.

Afterwhile the cloud of dust momentarily deepening over in that
direction was enlivened by a clash of cymbals and drums, blent with
peals of horns, the fine, high music yet cherished by warriors of the
Orient. Presently a body of horsemen appeared, their spear points
glistening in the sunlight. A glance at them, then his gaze fixed upon a
chief in leading.

The sun had been hot all day; the profiles of the low hills were dim
with tremulous haze lying scorchingly upon them; the furred hulks of the
camels in the enclosure looked as if they were smoking; the sky held
nothing living except two kites which sailed the upper air slowly, their
broad wings at widest extension; yet the chief persisted in wearing his
arms and armor, like the soldiers behind him. Ere long he rode up and
halted in front of the Prince, and near by.