47 
which I had travelled, of ordering some of my ser- 
vants to precede me with my carpet, to place it in the 
mosque by the side of the Imam, and to keep my 
place, by standing by it until my arrival; and however 
full the mosque was, my carpet had been respected at 
all times. 
I had observed this rule on the Friday in question. 
My servants had placed my carpet in the mosque, and 
I was upon it, repeating my introductory prayer, when 
the Governor, accompanied by his black officers, ar- 
rived. The latter made those who were near me rise, 
and placed the Governor's carpet in such a manner 
that a part of it covered a part of mine; but they did 
not dare to say a word to me. The Governor placed 
himself; and his chief officer, after some hesitation 
became emboldened, and tapped me softly upon the 
shoulder. I turned my head. He then made a sign to 
me to quit my place, which I did immediately, to avoid 
a disturbance; and he immediately placed himself upon 
my carpet, and began his prayers. 
Every body looked with astonishment, and seemed 
desirous to see how the affair would end, and how I 
should take the offence. I, Scherif, son of Othman Bey 
el Abbassi, could I support the insult of a slave! But 
he and his attendants were armed. They sought to 
provoke; and if I had allowed myself to be mastered 
by my passion, they would have abused their authori- 
ty; in consequence of which I formed my resolution 
as to the course I intended to take. 
The moment the prayers were finished, I arose be- 
fore any other person, and sai(J to my servants, in a 
loud and harsh tone, " Take up that carpet, carry it 
" e to the Imam, and tell him I present it to him for the 
" use of the mosque; for I will never more make use 
