320 
OVERTURE FROM EN-NOOR. 
the clouds of sand-dust, with which we are at other 
times persecuted. The fine particles cover and per- 
vade everything, and getting between the skin and 
the flannel, produce an irritation like the pricking 
of needles. 
This day Yusuf brought a message from En- 
ISToor, to the effect that he had heard from various 
people that I had brought a sword for him from 
the Queen of England, and also a letter from Her 
Majesty. He added: " I trust I have done nothing 
to offend the Consul or his companions ; and I pray 
that there may be nothing between us but good 
feeling and justice — no lying, nothing but truth and 
fair dealing." 
It now seemed to me that a good opportunity 
had arrived for introducing the subject of the treaty; 
and I determined to make an effort, being convinced, 
from recent transactions between En-Noor and his 
brother chieftains, that he exerts paramount in- 
fluence in Aheer: so that it may be of considerable 
benefit to Christian travellers that a treaty of amity 
and commerce should be signed by him. Yusuf, 
therefore, prepared a treaty in Arabic, and I one in 
English. This done, I caused En-Noor to be in- 
formed of our intentions, and, taking with me a 
sword, went to visit him with some anxiety. 
We found the Sultan in company with half- 
a-dozen people: he received us in a very friendly 
manner, and really seemed on this occasion to be 
what he professes to be, the friend and Consul of 
