218 
TANGIER. 
while my unworthy guide rode forward with the utmost in- 
difference. On reaching the place appointed for the halt, I 
threw myself down under a tree, and wrapped up in my old 
blanket, suffered there a violent attack of fever, produced by 
fatigue and exhaustion. Towards seven in the evening, my 
guide brought me a handful of couscous, which had been 
given him by some Arabs near whom we had encamped. 
At Larache I saw two vessels cruising, and little thought 
that one of them would shortly bear me from this frightful 
country. I ascended with difficulty the hills in the vicinity 
of Tangier, and at length, ill, and worn out with fatigue, I 
arrived in that town on the 7th of September, at nightfall. 
As I entered on foot the centinel took no notice of me, and 
I thus fortunately escaped an explanation with the governor of 
the town, which might have thrown some obstacles in the way 
of my departure, or even have involved me in destruction. I 
deposited my bag at the fandac, and the same evening ex- 
plored the town in search of the French Consulate. I saw 
many flag-staves, but could not for the darkness distinguish 
that of my own nation. The moment was most critical. 1 
dared not to address myself to a Musulman, who would in- 
fallibly have asked what concern I had with the christians : 
and if my intentions had been discovered I should have lost 
all hope of restoration to my country. I lay at the fandac, 
and passed the night in extreme agitation. In the morning 
I again repaired to the street where I had seen the flags, and 
perceived an open door, near which stood a christian ; look- 
ing carefully round, to ascertain that I was not observed, I 
accosted him in English, inquiring for the residence of the 
British Consul. This is it," replied he ; but, fearful of at- 
tracting notice, by conversing too long outside the door, I 
would have entered the house, to ask a direction to the French 
Consulate ; but this man, who I supposed was a domestic, 
repulsed me with horror, on account of my dirty and disfi- 
gured appearance. I inquired for the residence of the French 
