Others might interfere.

Layelah might come.

All these thoughts occurred to me as I watched the Epet; and though the labor of harnessing the athaleb was simple and soon performed, still the time seemed long.

So the collar was secured around the neck of the athaleb, with the grapple attached, and the lines were fastened to the wings, and then Almah and I mounted.
The Epet now stood waiting for further orders.
"Open the gates," said I.
The Epet did so.
Almah was seated on the back of the athaleb before me, holding on to the coarse mane; I, just behind, held the reins in my hand.

The gates were opened wide.