“They were raiders of the Benî Ḍafî’ah,” said Ghânim, mentioning a particular lawless tribe.
“Fattûḥ,” said I, “did you shoot?”
“We shot,” replied Fattûḥ; “did not your Excellency hear?—and one man is wounded.”
A wild-looking boy held out his hand, on which I detected a tiny scratch.
“There is no harm,” said I. “Praise God!”
“Praise God!” they repeated, and I left them laughing and talking eagerly, and went to bed and to sleep.
Next morning I questioned Fattûḥ as to the events of the night, but he was exceptionally non-committal.
“My lady,” said he, “God knows. ’Alî says that they
