The Boy Pilgrims (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866. Excerpt: ... and inasmuch as the life of every member of the Christian Church has been compared to their weary pilgrimage, so it can scarcely be unprofitable to have the realities of their desert life brought home to us.;; CHAPTER XXVIII. The Market at Akaba--The Crafty Sheikh--Doubtful Information--The Gulf of Akaba--The Trail of the Enemy--An Unlucky Shot at the Cranes--Attacked Front and Bear. "I I ERE we are " cried Edwin, and his exclamation J-J-was echoed by all who had the energy left to be delighted, as they drew near to the grove of palms, and then gathered round the well, from which they each received a draught of pure and refreshing water. Near the trees were a few huts and tents, and a fortress, which was occupied by Egyptian soldiers, not promising much aid, though under that banner Mr. Hope assured them they might be cheated, but could not be made prisoners, or murdered. "We had better avoid the soldiers as long as we can," said Mr. Austin; "they are, I know, both rogues and tyrants as far as they can venture within the bounds of their law. I fancy we shall find the Arabs of the huts a simple agricultural race; the sheikh may possibly be exacting, but Mr. Warren will be quite able to deal with him, whilst we are buying food and what we require from the people." There was no need to take much trouble in the matter so necessary to their present comfort, scanty as their desert fare had been. The Arabs, little accustomed to strangers, except at the time of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, nocked around the tent, bringing fowls and eggs, sheep, fish fresh from the gulf, vegetables, milk, and bread, glad of the opportunity of exchanging their surplus provisions for money-but still more anxious to gratify their curiosity. The travellers, half-famished, purchased...