20 
GOSSIP WITH THE SFAXEE. 
myself, should be mounted on maharees, and either 
conveyed back to Aisou or forward to Tintaghoda, 
during the night. Some of the Kailouees wavered, 
as well as the Tanelkums ; but En-Noor (of our 
escort) always declared that he would never consent 
to our being given up. The next morning, two or 
three of the assailants were very bold, and came and 
called out in an authoritative tone, that we must be 
given up. It is curious that, in spite of all the force 
that was mustered against us, as soon as they saw 
that we were determined to resist them, they imme- 
diately began to parley. The Sfaxee is an immense 
talker, and great allowance must be made for what 
he says. In reality, we shall never be able to know 
the exact truth with respect to this affair. Dr. 
Overweg confesses that he was terribly alarmed, as 
well he might be. For my part, I was more used 
to desert dangers, and slept all night. Dr. Barth 
very kindly refused to allow anybody to awaken 
me. 
