The plumed heads of the camels, and the yet more richly plumed pavilions,
exalted high above the horsemen, moved like things afloat. One may not
tell what calamities to body and soul would overtake the Emir El Hajj did
he fail to deliver the _mahmals_ according to consignment.

While the cavalry came up the hill the musicians exerted themselves; at
the top, the column turned and formed line left of the Emir, followed by
strings of camels loaded with military properties, and a horde of
camp-followers known as _farrash_. Presently another camp was reared upon
the eminence, its white roofs shining afar over the plain, and in their
midst one of unusual dimensions for the Sultan's gifts.

The caravans in the meantime began to emerge from the dun cloud of their
own raising, and spread at large over the land; and when the young Emir
was most absorbed in the spectacle the Prince's Shaykh approached him.

"O Emir!" the Arab said, after a salaam.

A wild fanfare of clarions, cymbals, and drums drowning his voice, he
drew nearer, almost to the stirrup.

"O Emir!" he said again.

This time he was heard.

"What wouldst thou?"

There was the slightest irritation in the tone, and on the countenance
of the speaker as he looked down; but the feeling behind it vanished at