TALE OF A CITY 140 the baker, Muhammad Al-Kukhardi who also sold all kinds of necessities except for fabrics. Sheikh Muhammad bin Saqr who owned the shop had rented it out to Muhammad Al-Kukhardi. At the shop arrived Abdullah bin Silumah al-Qitabi and Ibn Khisom al-Qitabi and Sheikh Sultan bin Salem’s own slave, al-Ramis. They all joined Sheilh Sultan bin Salem and his guards following instructions from Sheikh Muhammad bin Saqr. As soon as the English force left the house of SheikhMuhammad bin Saqr, the lattercameout fromthekitchengateandheadedfrotheguesthousewhere Sheikh Sultan bin Salem and his companions were. SheikhMuhammad bin Saqr did every thing he could to protect Sheikh Sultan bin Salem and made all necessary arrangements for his escape. He provided him with 10 rifles, clothes and food (rice, wheat and even sweets). The camel stable of Rashid bin Mani’ was not too far away from there. The camels were brought and loaded with all necessary provisions. Then, under the shelter of night, Sheikh Sultan and his group left. Their guide was Rashid binMutraq al-Saman, who took a route that he was familiar with from Dhaid to Sharjah. They headed for Bi’r Muwailih, 9 miles outside Sharjah. From there, they proceeded to Nabaibigh, a water well situated five miles west of Dhaid. Nabaibigh was a low land surrounded by sand dunes, whichmade it difficult for vehicles to get to it. Additionally. It was near Tawa As-Saman where Rashid bin Mutraq as-Saman lived. Sheikh Sultan bin Salem stayed five days in Nabaibigh making plans for his future movements and ultimate destination.He visitedAdhan, where his wife of theKhawatir tribe lived, and then returned to Nabaibigh to wait for supplies of food, arms, ammunition and other requirements from Sharjah. During the time he was encamped at Nabaibigh on the 31st July, with an escort of 12 men passed through Dhaid, collected more escorts and continued the journey. At noonon the same day he andhis party numbering some 30 men halted at Khudaira, a deserted village situated at the foot of the hills east of the entrance to Wadi el Qur. After taking lunch there he proceeded direct to Manei’i and resided there. His escort consisted of Beni Qitab, Khawatir and Ghufula. Sheikh Sultan bin Salim was very reserved and deliberately avoided
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