-298 TRAVELS IN UPPER 



I had imparted my resolution, opposed the exectj-^ 

 tion of rny plan with all his might ; he enjoined 

 me not to derange myself in the slightest degree, 

 assuring me hy the Prophei that nothing unpleasant 

 should befall me. Two officers of his household 

 were charged with conducting me back to the boat. 

 As I walked along to reach my chamber at the 

 poop, the Re'is and Egyptian passengers kept a pro- 

 found silence, but there was no difficulty in dis- 

 cerning that it was the silence of fear and of rage. 

 The two Maraelucs passed the night with me, and, 

 accordmg to their instructions, signiiied to the Reis 

 that he was to look upon me as a man under the 

 protection of Mourat Bey, and that he should an- 

 swer with his head for my safety and tranquillityj 

 both to the Bey and to the K'laschef. At the same 

 time, in the name of the latter, they ordercdse- 

 veral Mameluc officers on board another boat 

 which sailed in company with us, to take care that 

 no insult should be officred to me. It was agreed, 

 that, in car,e of any improper proceedings, I should 

 display my scliaJe at the poop, and that they should 

 instantly come to ray assistance. I had no occa- 

 sion, for the remainder of my voyage, to have re- 

 course to external' force, A few murmurs excepted, 

 which I cared not for, my tranquillity was not at all 

 disturbed, and I could enjoy in peace the satisfac- 

 tion which I felt in having extricated myself, with 

 so much success, from an adventure which might 



have 



