This Wadi Hatib is apparently south of Jabir on the road from Lawdar in Abyan province of the Yemen. Van Meulen describes him as Sheik of the Fat-han (unfortunately nothing in Arabic) who were farmers.
He relates that the Sheik and his attendants violently harangued him and his companions, thinking they were from the "Hukuma", for not keeping proper law and order, and then demanded 50 dollars for free passage. He was reluctant to be photographed, but his companions were quite keen and persuaded him. I think you can see this from the photograph. Van Meulen remarks that throughout, he kept a firm grip on his spear.
Regards
Richard
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