36 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 
CHAP. I. 
plied with. Thus it is : the Bashaw demands a certain sum of 
money, and sends a Kaid to collect it. This man doubles the 
requisition, in order to enrich himself; and it not unfrequently 
happens that he goes away, and leaves a Chowse to act for him, 
who in his turn drains them still more and more ; and thus their 
victims are reduced to utter ruin. There were in the castle slaves, 
camels, sheep, goats, and grain in quantities, which had all been 
lately extorted from these unhappy people. Eight poor prisoners 
were confined under-ground, and had not been fed during the time 
we were there ; and finally, the Chowse had an order to cut their 
throats, which we understood was executed the day after we left 
the castle. A market is held here weekly, to which the necessaries 
of life are brought with fear and trembling, lest any one should 
appear too rich. 
Thursday, 18th February. — This being market day, a few sheep 
and goats were brought on the plain before the gate. There were 
also dates, corn, and gunpowder, but in small quantities. We 
bought a sheep and some dates. It rained the whole of this day ; 
but at night it cleared up. The Sheikh came to see us, and 
brought us a bowl of Bazeen, in return for which we gave him 
some powder. The Population amounts to about ^000, as near as 
I could judge ; but the habitations are so scattered along the sides 
of the Wadey, that no very just estimate can be given. 
Mr. Ritchie was requested to obtain the pardon of the prisoners 
in the castle, who had been guilty of resisting an attempt to drive 
off their flocks for the service of the Bashaw, and he promised to 
intercede for them ; but we were overtaken, when on our return 
to Tripoli, by a man, who informed us that they had all been killed. 
Mr. Ritchie, by two observations, made the latitude of Benio- 
leed, sr. north. 
Friday, 19th February. — Having somewhat refreshed ourselves 
