AMELS WEST

A little known but intriguing minor hero of American frontier history is the subject of this unusual story by the author of Anyone Can Camp in Comfort (1964, p.12, J-12). Hi Jolly, whose real name was Hadji Ali, was a Greek camle driver, who at the request of the U.S. government collected a large group of camels to help in an expedition being sen tto explore the Southwest. In return for his assistance, Hi Jolly was given permission to come to the United States as leader of the troop of camel drivers. His knowledge of the outdoors and his quick intelligence made him a great asset to the mission, particularly in some dangerous encounters with the Comanches and the Apaches. He had some difficulties with the antagonistic Black Billy, the teamster boss, until he saved Billy from being torured to death by the Apaches. The story is based on information gathered from Turkey, the Southwest, and War Department reports, and is presumably an authentic reconstruction. Although the personalities of the echaracters are unconvincingly drawn, the story is based on fascinating material which has a reading interest likely to appeal beyond the definite regional market.