CHAP. III. 
MORZOUK. 
119 
cheaper than the people of the country ; but no one would actually 
buy, or even propose for it, and we then became convinced, that 
Mukni was the cause of all our distresses ; he, however, still conti- 
nued to call on us, proffering kindness which he never intended to 
fulfil. 
Being now reduced to the last extremity, and Mr. Ritchie not 
thinking it right to draw for money on the Treasury, I drew a 
bill on my own private account, for §§20, with which we proceeded 
immediately to the Sultan, hoping it would have the desired effect : 
Mr. Ritchie having at the former interview explained to them, that 
if he accommodated us with 80 dollars, and sent the draft to his 
(the Sultan's) wife, who was then resident in Tripoli, she would 
instantly receive the amount from the Eritish consul. He still, 
however, refused to assist us ; when on a sudden, artfully pretend- 
ing to mistake 8 for 80, he exclaimed, " Well ! I did not think it 
necessary to draw a written agreement for so small a sum ; I will, 
however, advance you the eight dollars you require, and you may 
return them when convenient." Farther explanation to a man 
determined not to understand was wholly useless, and our poverty 
not allowing us to refuse the sum, however small, we accepted it ; 
and immediately employe^ part of our newly acquired riches in 
treating ourselves with a little meat. 
Though we knew not where to procure farther pecuniary aid, 
we were, for the moment, happy, and soon after had reason to be 
more so. W e had, on coming to Morzouk, lent to our neighbour, 
Hadje Mahmond, 20 dollars, of which he paid us 10; and now, 
in the moment of need, brought us the remainder. At this cri- 
tical period, it acquired tenfold value, and was of course received 
with thankfulness and delight. 
In this unexpected improvement of our circumstances, we deter- 
mined to fatten our horses for sale, and to purchase some fowls and 
