124 TRAVELS IN THE 
a troublesome levee, for I was obliged to take off one of my 
stockings, and show them my foot, and even to take off my 
jacket and waistcoat, to show them how my clothes were put 
on and off ; they were much delighted with the curious con- 
trivance of buttons. All this was to be repeated to every suc- 
ceeding visitor; for such as had already seen these wonders, in- 
sisted on their friends seeing the same ; and in this manner I 
was employed, dressing and undressing, buttoning and unbut- 
toning, from noon to night. About eight o'clock. All sent me 
for supper, some kouskous and salt and water, which was very 
acceptable, being the only victuals I had tasted since morning. 
I observed that, in the night, the Moors kept regular watch, 
and frequently looked into the hut, to see if I was asleep, and 
if it was quite dark, they would light a wisp of grass. About 
two o'clock in the morning, a Moor entered the hut, probably 
with a view to steal something, or perhaps to murder me; and 
groping about, he laid his hand upon my shoulder. As night 
visitors were at best but suspicious characters, I sprang up the 
moment he laid his hand upon me ; and the Moor, in his haste to 
get off, stumbled over my boy, and fell with his face upon the 
wild hog, which returned the attack by biting the Moor's arm. 
The screams of this man alarmed the people in the King's tent, 
who immediately conjectured that I had made my escape, and a 
number of them mounted their horses, and prepared to pursue 
me. I observed upon this occasion that Ali did not sleep in his 
own tent, but came galloping upon a white horse from a small 
tent at a considerable distance; indeed, the tyrannical and cruel 
behaviour of this man madehim so jealous of every person around 
