23d.--Early in the morning, accompanied by Husayn Ali, who opposed me
no longer, we commenced our descent to the valley of Jid Ali, an
expansive flat several miles in breadth, fuller and better wooded in
the north than any place I had yet seen, but tapering away to the
south and eastwards, until it became lost to sight in the barren
plateau. After marching a mile or so, we found the Abban hastening to
meet us, in high dudgeon with my men for having advanced contrary to
his mandates, before he had time to arrive and smooth the way; for now
the great impressive spell, his influence, which I was to understand
could alone save me from the terrors of the unruly Dulbahantas, was
proved to me of secondary importance, and he, consequently,
insignificant. This occasioned a little delay; but at last, the Abban
becoming reconciled to this defeat of his projected plans, we were
permitted to resume the march, and, soon arriving in the bed of the
valley, encamped near the watercourse of Jid Ali Tug, on the meridian
of Mai. The water in the nullah extended upwards of half a mile, when
it became absorbed in the thirsty soil. It consisted of a chain of
pools, connected by little runners, the produce of some bitter
springs, and made the country green in consequence. Attracted by my
dates and rice--for I had brought no other property save my
specimen-boxes and ammunition--many of the Dulbahantas forgot their
occupations in war, and flocked around my camp all day and night,
bothering my servants incessantly whilst cooking, and begging presents
from me every moment. I remained here three days, trying to negotiate
with the head men for permission to advance, but obtained no practical
result. They insisted, for even coming thus far, that I should give
them as many cloths and material as I had given to the Warsingali, for
they would take no less. When told all my worldly goods did not admit
of such a payment, they quietly said, I had come there against their
will; they did not believe me; and if I did not open my boxes to their