Most  of  his  men  had  dismounted  and  followed
on  foot  with  drawn  swords,  two  of  the  prin-
cipal officers  walking  at  either  side  of  his
horse ; — their  swords  crossing  over  the  animal's
shoulders.  Mohammed  Ali  held  a  bouquet  in
his  right  hand — a  love-token  which,  according
to  Bedawin  custom,  he  must  bring  back  to  his
bride,  otherwise  the  marriage  could  not  be
consummated.  Instances  have  occurred  where  a
rival  has  attacked  the  bridegroom  and  carried
off  the  love-token,  and  as  its  possessor  can
claim  the  bride,  this  part  of  the  day's  ceremony
always  possesses  a  special  interest.  As  the
cortege  advanced,   a  band  of  men,  armed  with


A   DAY   WITH   THE    BEDAWlNS.  75

swords,  rapidly  descended  the  hill,  while  an
equal  number  of  the  young  chief's  followers
rushed  to  the  front.  For  a  second  or  two  they
stood  facing  each  other,  the  bright  steel  glitter-
ing in  the  sun,  and  then  the  swords  clashed, —
beating  time,  with  alternate  strokes,  to  a
strange  wild  dance,  as  they  all  proceeded
towards  the  village.  The  crowd  beat  time
with  their  hands,  uttering  shrill  cries  of  heli-
li-li-li-li-li-li,  until  the  bridegroom  alighted,
and,  being  taken  possession  of  by  the  women,
disappeared  from  sight.
