THE AUTHOR'S 
EFFECTS 
EXAMINED. 
277 
conduct to me^ up to the time of the discovery of the rob- 
bery, was mentioned in terms of praise. It was decided 
that, as no proofs could be brought against him, he could not 
be punished ; a decision which I thought very just. I was 
informed that the alkali was to be my host, because the 
sherif Mohammed was poor, and had no rice to give me ; 
and, it was added, that the hut which I should occupy was 
protected by a lock and key ; so that I need not fear any 
further depredation. The persons present then expressed 
a desire to examine my effects, alleging, as a reason for so 
doing, that in case of my being robbed again they might 
know what 1 possessed. I was not thankful to them for 
this precaution ; nevertheless, though much against my 
inclination, I displayed my merchandise, taking good care 
to hide my notes, lest they might give rise to suspicion. 
Every thing was closely examined ; the glass beads were 
counted and the cloth was measured. They did not however 
find my amber, for 1 had concealed it among some cream of 
tartar. I opened the packet which contained it, and shewed 
them the white powder, which they tasted, supposing it to 
be sugar. When undeceived, they were very anxious that I 
should give them some medicine : all declaring themselves to 
be unwell. After having examined every thing, they allow- 
ed me to pack up my goods, and none of them asked me 
for any thing except medicine. A but was assigned to me, 
and I placed my property under lock and key, in a store- 
house, which was attached to my dwelling, a thing I had 
not before seen in the country. I was very well attended 
to, and supplied with every thing I could possibly want ; 
but, as I did not wish to live at any one's expence, I pro- 
posed to buy rice, for myself at the market. This was op- 
posed, however, and I was told that I should want for nothing. 
This new host being very devout, I took care to be ex- 
ceedingly attentive to prayers. But I impatiently looked for 
an opportunity to depart; and I was induced to hope that one 
