"How can you mix with them?"
"Tn the ordinary way; they will not eat me. I will go to them, salute them and ask after their health and good luck, and then I know the rest."
"Well, then, be quick!"
Musdo disappeared like a frightened fox.
Sarhad now began to examine the caravan with more interest. What did he see? A crowd of Kurdish horsemen driving a large number of donkeys, oxen, carts, etc., loaded with all kinds of things,—furniture, clothing, even provisions. Upon the top of each load were tied one or two women, young girls or youths. They were being carried upon the animals which had belonged to the wretched creatures' murdered fathers or husbands. The owners seated upon their beasts were going to slavery!
To quicken the pace of the caravan, the Kurds had raised upon the points of their spears human skulls: they showed the parents' heads to the children like a scarecrow, to frighten them into remaining quiet and not attempting to run away; to make them quicken their pace and go where they were wanted to go without making a noise.
Sarhad could not look at this sight long; his head became dizzy, and the caravan passed by.
Musdo reappeared.
"I have found out everything," he said, almost out of breath.
"How many horsemen are there?" asked Sarhad.
"A little over fifty."
"Of what tribe?"
"Hardosh."
"Where are they bringing the plunder and slaves from?"
"From the districts of Shadakh."[1]
"Where are they taking them?"
"To Soomayee."[2]
"Where do they mean to stop for the night?"
"Among the valleys of Hasbidan, near Khana-Sore."
