EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 217 
for the delicacy of the food. On thefe occafions I was indeed 
frequently harafled with queftions, the fimplicity of which dif- 
gufted me, and was even in fome inftances indirectly reviled 
for my fuppofed attachment to a fe£t, whofe tenets among Mo- 
hammedans are thought abfurd and even impious. However, 
when they were led to imagine that the favour of the Sultan 
was beginning to brighten my profpeCts, their difpofition on 
that head appeared much more eafy and tolerant. But I was 
alfo frequently imprefled with the clear intelligence, and pene- 
trating fagacity, with which the claims of the refpedtive fuitors 
were inveftigated, and the equity and firmnefs with which they 
were terminated by this officer. Oftener than once even, during 
my fhort abode with him, the beft conftrudted plans to difguife 
the truth, and elude the purpofes of juftice, were laid open and 
rendered abortive ; for it is remarkable with how much artifice 
the Arabs, however ignorant in other refpeflis, defend them- 
felves, whether right or wrong, as long as they have any profit 
to hope, or lofs to dread. So clear is their difcernment, fo re- 
tentive their memory, and fo firm their refolution on thefe oc- 
cafions, that no word, no look, not even an involuntary move- 
ment efcapes them, which can in the fmallefl: degree betray their 
caufe ; and the longeft crofs-examination, or queftions put at 
the greateft diftance of time, will bring to light no fa£t unfa- 
vourable to the intereft which they are to defend. 
In obedience to the Sultan's command, I gave in an exa£l 
ftatement of the property I had loft, and fubftantiated the proof 
by the ftrongeft circumftantial evidence. With regard to the 
flave, the moft complete redrefs was accorded me. The charge 
F F brought 
