then their diminutive welcomer gave a smack of self-reproach on his forehead so loud that it must hurt , and bowing frantically he dashed to one of the camels , climbed on its back with incredible speed and agility , and from a thickly-folded piece of coarse wool serving as saddle in the hollow between the beasts neck and hump he produced and brought back to them a parcel wrapped in white cloth and tree leaves containing two loaves of bread and a head of soft cheese , provisions he explained which he received once a week ; luckily , the man appointed the task of delivering the food had come early this morning , so that they were still fresh and warm , with a mouthwatering smell .