In their scant shadow, or in the
shelter of an overhanging ledge of rock, Arabs offered us draughts of
cool water, and oranges. There were people in the sickly gardens, and
others were inspecting the Tanks. Passengers from the ship had brought
luncheon-baskets to this sad oasis.
As we stood at the edge of one of the Tanks, Miss Treherne remarked with
astonishment that they were empty. I explained to her that Aden did not
have the benefits conferred even on the land of the seven fat and seven
lean kine--that there had not been rain there for years, and that when it
did come it was neither prolonged nor plentiful. Then came questions as
to how long ago the Tanks were built.
"Thirteen hundred years!" she exclaimed. "How strange to feel it so! It
is like looking at old graves. And how high the walls are, closing up the
gorge between the hills."
At that moment Mrs. Callendar drew our attention to Mrs. Falchion and a
party from the ship. Mrs. Falchion was but a few paces from us, smiling
agreeably as she acknowledged our greetings. Presently two of her party
came to us and asked us to share their lunch.
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