The party met near the gates of the city, where there were some
wells, at which the water-bottles could be filled. Ali's mother
attended, and bid her son a loving farewell.
The caravan started. The camels which were to lead the way, had around
their necks jingling bells, which the others hearing, followed without
other guidance.
Ali looked about and saw his mother standing near the city gate. He took
his cap off and waved it above his head, and his mother took off the
linen cloth which she wore over her head, and waved it.
Tramp, tramp, tramp went the camels, their soft spongy feet making a
noise as they trod the ground. The camel-drivers laughed, and talked to
each other.
Ali was the only boy in the caravan, and no one seemed to notice him. He
had a stout heart, and tried not to care.
He could talk to Meek-eye, and this he did, patting the creature's back,
and telling him they would soon see his father.
The sun rose higher and higher, and the day grew hotter and hotter. The
morning breeze died away, and the noon was close and sultry.
The sand glowed like fire. There was nothing to be seen but sand and
sky.
Pages:
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96