EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 191 
virtue." I therefore remained in perfect ignorance of the rea- 
fons of my detention. Perhaps indeed, without impUcating 
himfelf, the Melek could not have declared them ; or perhaps 
he was not thoroughly informed as to their nature. The plot 
that had been laid againft me might indeed have deceived 
much abler heads than theirs, on whofe caprices my fate de- 
pended. 
Finding no mode of advancing, till the reft of the caravan 
had obtained the fame permiffion, I refolved to follow the ex- 
ample of the other jelabs, and wait patiently the event. The 
houfe I was in confifted of a multitude of diftin(£t apartments, 
built with clay, and covered with a flanting thatched roof, but 
not clofed by doors. The hofpitality of the owner allowed 
all who could find place in it to lodge themfelves without dif- 
tindtion. At length, after the expiration of about ten days, an 
order from the Sultan arrived, directing that all the jelabs fhould 
be allowed to proceed to their houfes on paying the duties 
aflefled on them. 
The circumftances attending myfelf were peculiar; and many 
of the difadvantages I had to contend with could not be well 
forefeen : it is therefore neceffary to mark them, that if any oc- 
cafion fhould offer they may be ferviceable to others, and for 
this reafon they fhall be detailed at confiderable length. 
Before leaving Kahira I was apprifed, that all commerce in 
Dar-Fur was conducted by means of fimple exchange. To 
carry on this in fuch a way as not to be grofsly defrauded, 
efpecially 
