These relationships continue, but they are not as clearly
defined or recognizable as before. Most of Egypt’s Bedouins
have now settled down and have effectively dropped out of
the trilogy; only in the Eastern Desert are there still traditional
nomads. They have chosen to settle, generally because they
have been tempted by the more reliable and profitable work
available to them as wage laborers. For example, they often find
work as mechanics, guards, and guides in desert towns. Most
live in fixed dwellings in or near the desert towns. The family
still keeps some animals, but usually only a few, rather than the
40 or 50 sheep and goats they used to have in the wilderness.