248 , KAID EL HASBI J3E0UGHT TO BOOK. ch. x. 



bad weather, command a wide view over the unknown 

 country, on the south side of the chain. 



The Governor was courteous and even friendly in man- 

 ner, and in general terms expressed his readiness to forward 

 the objects of our journey. He seemed pleased with the 

 articles which Hooker presented to him— a musical box, 

 an opera-glass, and a long sheath-knife ; but when a ther- 

 mometer was added, and an attempt made to explain the 

 use of the instrument, he at once returned it, saying that 

 it would be of no service, and that he would much prefer 

 a brace of pistols. 'I'he pistols were promised, and an un- 

 successful attempt was actually made to forward them a 

 year later. All had gone smoothly so far ; but we were 

 much disappointed when, the practical question of our 

 intended exploration of the Amsmiz valley being brought 

 forward, our friendly Governor expressed himself distinctly 

 opposed to it, the only ground assigned being some 

 doubt as to our safety. As the misbehaviour of Kaid el 

 Hasbi on the previous day had come to our knowledge 

 during the interval, we at once came to the conclusion that 

 the real obstacle was due to his machinations. On return- 

 ing to our camp. Hooker summoned El Hasbi, and ad- 

 ministered a 'blowing-up,' which produced the most 

 salutary results. He was told that we were thoroughly 

 aware of his treacherous conduct, and duly warned that if 

 any further difficulty were thrown in the way of our 

 reaching the high mountains, as we were fully authorised 

 to do, a report should be sent to the Viceroy and to El 

 Graoui, with a request that another officer should be sent 

 to take charge of our escort. This drew forth a multitude 

 of excuses, and profuse promises to do all that was possible 

 to carry out our wishes. The effect was soon apparent ; for 

 we learned in the course of the afternoon that the Gover- 

 nor had summoned the sheik of the valley, in order to 

 arrange for our visit, while at the same time we received 

 an invitation to sleep that night in the kasbah, which we 

 thought it judicious to accept. 



