148 TRAVELS IN THE 
be vanquished, or humbled, they considered that they could 
neither return to their native towns, nor live in security in 
any of the neighbouring kingdoms. With a view to extort 
money from these people, by means of this treaty, Aii dis- 
patched his son to Jarra, and prepared to follow him in the 
course of a few days. This was an opportunity of too s^reat 
consequence to me, to be neglected. I immediately applied to 
Fatima (who, I found, had- the chief direction in all affairs of 
state), and begged her interest with Ali, to give me permission 
to accompany him to Jarra. This request, after some hesita- 
tion, was favourably received. Fatima looked kindly on me, and, 
I believe, was at length moved with compassion towards me. 
My bundles were brought from the large cow-skin bag that stood 
in the corner of All's tent, and I was ordered to explain the 
use of the different articles, and shew the method of putting on 
the boots, stockings, &c. ; with all which I cheerfully complied, 
and was told that, in the course of a few days, I should be at 
liberty to depart. 
Believing, therefore, that I should certainly find the means of 
escaping from Jarra, if I should once get thither ; I now freely 
indulged the pleasing hop© that my captivity would soon ter- 
minate; and happily not having been disappointed in this idea, 
I shall pause, in this place, to collect and bring into one point 
of view, such observations on the Moorish character, and 
country, as I liad no fair opportunity of introducing into the 
preceding narrative. 
