Thursday March 25. [25 March 1909] Off to Khethar [Ukhaydir] [Arabic
characters] 3 hours from Shefatheh [Shithathah]. We joined Mr Watts
on the way. The size and splendour of the place were a revelation
and at once decided that I must plan it. Lunched with Mr Watts and
then set to work. He gave me the measurements. The castle is
inhabited by some people from Jof [Jawf, Al (Al Jauf)] Ali ibn
Bhania[?] and his brothers Ma'ashi, Mubarak and two others. They
have left Jof because the Za'ilu with the govt of ibn Rashid and
wanted to live under the Turks. Fahd Beg gave them permission to
come to Heithar[?] and they seem to be on good terms with the
Amarat but they have applied for amr from the govt and have not yet
got it. I did not care much for the sheikh but Ma'ashi was my great ally.
They wish to trade in camels and horses from the interior. At tea time
Fattuh announced that he intended to go to Al Hussein and fetch the
caravan. We arranged for a guide one Ghamin[?], sent in the two
baggage animals we had taken from Shefatheh, one of my soldiers
and one of Mr Watts' and at 7.30 they left under the moon. They got in
at 4AM. I dined with Mr Watts.