## the roots of the broom tree were their food ##

Possible meanings are 1) The people ate the roots of the broom tree. or 2) The people warmed themselves by burning the roots of broom trees (see UDB).

## shouted after them as one would shout after a thief ##

AT: "shouted at them as though they were thieves." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])