Chap. LXXII. FURTHER DIFFICULTIES. 
83 
I was greatly amused at learning from an Uraghen, 
who had come to pay us a visit, that Alkiittabu had 
only 300 fighting men with him at the time. I also 
observed with a certain degree of satisfaction that 
my kindly host became aware of what I was subjected 
to day by day ; for, while on a visit to my tent, one of 
the flies that tormented me stung him so severely as 
to draw blood; and I then showed him my poor 
horse which was suffering dreadfully, although at 
times we lighted a small fire in order to afford him 
some relief. 
During my stay here, I had become better ac- 
quainted with Sidi Mohammed, and I had convinced 
myself that he was a straightforward man, although 
certainly not very friendly disposed towards Christians 
in general. Next morning, therefore, when he and 
the Sheikh were consulting together, I complained 
bitterly of their breaking their word so repeatedly, 
and putting off my departure so continually. They 
then endeavoured to soothe my disappointment, and, 
as they were going into the town, wanted me to 
go along with them, but I declined. In conse- 
quence of this remonstrance, they sent me from 
the town the Sheikh's nephew, who had been ill 
for several days, to bear me company and to take 
care of rne, and this was a great treat in my soli- 
tary situation, as I had nobody to speak to. How- 
ever, new difficulties appeared to arise with regard 
to my departure, and, during the next few days, I 
received several curious messages, the real purport 
G 2 
