camel every day himself, and though it was a great creature by the side of the young boy, yet it would obey the voice of Ali, and come and go at his bidding, and lie down and rise up just as he wanted. He called his camel by an Arabian word, which meant "Meek-eye."

6. At last there was a caravan about to start for Suez which Ali could join. The party of merchants

met near the gates of the city, where there were some wells, at which the water-skins could be filled. Ali's mother attended, and bid her son a loving farewell.

7. The caravan started. The camels which were to lead the way had round their necks jingling bells, which the others hearing, followed without other guidance. Ali looked round and saw his mother standing on a mound near the city gate. He took his cap off and waved it round his head, and his

another camel-driver, who returned with a caravan from Suez. It said:-"Send the boy with the camel to Suez with the next caravan that starts from Gaza. I have some merchandise to bring home, and I will stop at Suez till he comes."

3. Ali's mother prepared to obey the message. She grieved at the thought of sending her young son away to such a distance for the first time; but she said to herself that Ali was now quite old enough to be helping his father, and she immediately set about doing what was required for his journey. Ali got out the housings for the camel, and looked to the water-skins to see that they did not leak. His mother mended a rent in Ali's tunic, and bought him a new pair of slippers. She did all that was needed to make him quite ready the moment she knew that a caravan was about to start.

4. Ali was delighted to think that he was to go to his father, and that at last the day was come when he too was to be a camel-driver, and to take a journey with the dear old camel which he was so fond of. He had long wanted to ride on his back across the desert, and to lie down by his side when they rested at night. He had no fear.

5. The camel, which belonged to Hassan, and of which Ali was so fond, had 1 ht with the

mother took off the linen cloth which she wore over her head, and waved it also. Thus they parted.

8. Tramp, tramp, tramp went the camels, their soft spongy feet making a noise as they trod the ground. The camel-drivers laughed, and talked to each other. Ali was the only boy in the caravan, and no one seemed to take any notice of him. He had a stout heart, and tried not to care. He could talk to Meek-eye, and this he did, patting the creature's back, and telling him how soon they would both see his father.

9. The sun rose higher and higher, and the day grew hotter and hotter. The morning breeze died away, and the noon was close and sultry. The sand glowed like fire. There was nothing to be seen but sand and sky. At mid-day a halt was made at one of the places well known to the drivers, where shade and water could be had. The water-skins were not to be touched that day, for at this place a little stream, which gushed from a rock, supplied enough for the men, while the camels needed no water for many days. After resting a short time, the kneeling camels were made to rise, the riders first placing themselves on their backs, and the caravans then moved on.

10. At night the whole party encamped for rest, the camels lying down, while fires were lighted, and meats and drinks were cooked. Several days were thus passed, and Ali became accustomed to this kind of life, and liked it as well as he thought he should.

What was the name of Has-
Hassan send to his wife?
How did Ali feel when
What did Ali call his

Where did Hassan live? san's son? What message did What did she do to Ali's tunic? he was told to go to his father? camel? How was water carried across the desert? What did Ali do when he parted from his mother? Why did the camels walk so quietly? When did they halt?

ALI THE BOY CAMEL-DRIVER.

PART II.

1. No Arabs were met with, nor even seen in the distance; but a danger of the desert, worse than a party of Arabs, came upon them. There arose one day at noon one of those fearful burning winds which do such mischief to the traveller and his camel. The loose sand was raised like a cloud. It filled the nostrils and blinded the eyes. The wind was so hot and stifling, that it almost took away the breath.

2. There was nothing to be done but for the men to get off the backs of the camels, and lie down with their faces to the earth. After the storm had passed they were able to rise, and continue their