This was the spot upon which I was to meet Mek Nimmur.

Upon my approach the crowd opened, and, having dismounted, I was introduced by Taher Noor to the great chief.

He was a man of about fifty, and exceedingly dirty in appearance.

He sat upon an angarep, surrounded by his people; lying on either side upon his seat were two brace of pistols, and within a few yards stood his horse ready saddled.

He was prepared for fight or flight, as were also his ruffianly looking followers, who were composed of Abyssinians and Jaleens.