Boo Khaloom Was A Favourable Specimen Of That Peculiar Race, The Arab
Caravan-Merchants.
The Arab trader travels with his merchandise over the
greater part of a continent; his home is wherever the human foot can
wander; he is exposed to the inhospitable desert and the burning sky.
He
must be prepared to defend his property against the roving bands of
plunderers, and proceed at the head of a detachment of troops. Confiding
in the strength of his forces, and in reprisal of attacks, he is too
often tempted to add the gains of robbery to those of merchandise. He is
a slave dealer, and organizes expeditions to seize his unfortunate
victims. As the value of his goods is much heightened by conveyance
across the desert, in a few successful journeys he may acquire great
wealth and influence. He is a staunch Mahometan, and enslaves only the
enemies of the Prophet. He is fond of display, and when his wealth
abounds, emulates almost princely splendour. Boo Khaloom had some
virtue, - he was free from bigotry, and even humane for a slave-dealer,
and he was of a generous and honourable nature.
Major Denham travelled along a dreary route till he came to Sockna, into
which place Boo Khaloom resolved to enter in becoming state. He rode at
the head of his party on a beautiful white Tunisian horse, the saddle and
housings of which were ornamented with gold, attired in robes of rich
silk covered with embroidery. On the 30th December, Major Denham arrived
at Mourzouk, and was distressed to find his two companions much
indisposed.
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