I should really say some more about the "stand off" so you don't go on thinking that there is a problem.
The Algerian chief of the guards came to see me afterwards and apologized. He said that he didn't know why this man did what he did and assured me that it was against procedure. He also agreed with me that there is no creature more dangerous in the desert than humans.
He asked if I wanted that guy fired and I said "no".
I have now an unspoken agreement with the guards. Every night (or most nights I should say) I go for a short walk on the dune right above the rig. I let them know that I am going so they don't shoot me on the way back in and they just let me go....Now, this is not "procedure" either.
