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INTERPRETER MOKNEE. 7 
in the first place, the interpreter, Yusuf Moknee, a 
man really of some importance among his people, 
but considering himself with far too extravagant a 
degree of respect. He is the son of the famous 
Moknee, who was Governor of the province of 
Fezzan during the period of the Karamanly Ba- 
shaws. He has squandered his father's estate in 
intemperate drinking. Nevertheless I have been 
recommended to take him as a dragoman, and give 
him a fair trial, as his only vice really seems to be 
attachment to the bottle. I suspect he will not find 
many opportunities of indulging his propensity in 
the Sahara ; so that, as long as he is en route, he 
may prove to be that phenomenon, a man without a 
fault ! At any rate I must be content with him, 
especially as he is willing to sign a contract pro- 
mising to be a pattern of sobriety ! There is no one 
else in Tripoli so suitable for my purpose. He is a 
handsome, dark-featured fellow^, and when in his 
bright-blue gown, w4iite burnoose, and elegant fez, 
makes a really respectable figure. I must dress 
him up well for state occasions. Even in the 
desert one is often judged by the livery of one's 
servants. 
The individuals next in importance to Moknee 
are, perhaps, the Chaouches, as they are called here — 
Arab cavaliers, who are to act as janissaries. There 
is one big fellow for me, and one little fellow for the 
Germans. How they will behave remains to be seen ; 
but I suspect they will give us some trouble. Then 
