Sheytan was then indeed a terrifying sight, with streaming tail, mane bristling, and a wicked bloodshot eye, tearing at his head-rope, one minute pawing at the wall as if to climb it, the next kicking wildly with his head down.

I know little of horses in general, but I knew that particular horse, and he knew me.

I went up quietly and talked to him, then loosed the rope and led Sheytan away without much difficulty, Rashid meanwhile explaining to the servant of the house that no one else could possibly have done it.

We tied him at the further end of the meydan.
Then I went back on to the terrace, where the notables had risen and were looking at the youths who were to take part in the fantasia, among them my companion of the road, the young Sheykh Abdul Hamid.
These were now on the parade-ground with their horses.

My neighbour in the group of great ones said, politely: 'Your Honour should go with them; it is only proper, since their going is to compliment the representative of England.