The clump of tents proved to be more extensive than they had seemed to be at a distance, and the Sheikh's little patriarchal family greater than the travellers had anticipated. Children could be seen staring curiously at the newcomers; dark-eyed women stole from tent to tent, and quite twenty tall, dark, well-featured men came forward to bid them welcome and relieve the laden camels of their loads; while when the Sheikh led the way to the largest tent, into whose shadowy gloom the party entered with a feeling of relief, it was to find ample traces of the fact at which the old man had hinted in conversation, that he was comparatively wealthy. For the tent boasted divans; handsome carpets were spread over the sand, and upon one there was that European luxury, a white linen cloth, upon which was already prepared, simple and good, all that was necessary for the welcome breakfast, while in a little side tent, greatest luxury of all, there were brass basins, towels, and great earthen vessels full of clear, cool water. "Hah, Sheikh," said the doctor, with a sigh of relief, "this is grand! I'm coming to life again." "I am glad the learned Hakim is satisfied with his servant's preparations," said the Sheikh humbly. "There will be breakfast in a very short time. It was hastened by the women as soon as the camels came in sight." "But of course we cannot travel with tents like this," said the doctor. "Oh, no, Excellency," replied the Sheikh; "only two that will be smaller; but everything necessary for their Excellencies' comfort will be done. It will be right, and impress the Baggara and others of the Mahdi's followers. For the Hakim is not a poor dervish who tries to cure; he is a great Frankish doctor who travels to do good. He does not treat the sick and wounded to be paid in piastres, or to receive gifts, but because he loves to cure the suffering." "Quite right," said the doctor gravely. "Then it is right and fit that he should travel with good tents and camels, and such things as suit his dignity." "But this will be travelling like an eastern prince," said the doctor, who was beaming with satisfaction, after a refreshing sluice in some cool water. "A learned Hakim such as his Excellency Landon assures me that you are, is greater than any eastern prince," said the Sheikh, handing a fresh bath-towel; "and I have a petition to make to his Excellency." "A petition? What is it, Ibrahim?" "I have a son here, Excellency; he is my youngest, and the light of my old eyes, but he is weak and sickly, and there are times when I feel that I am fighting against fate, and that it would be better that I should let him die in peace. But I love him, and I would have him live. Will the Hakim see the boy and say whether he is to live or die?" "Yes. What is his ailment?" "It was through a fall from a camel. A fierce old bull rushed at the young one he rode, and fell upon him and crushed him." "Ah, I see," said the doctor. "That is in my way."