I reckon the position of Djideida to be about 28 
leagues to the E. J S. E. from Jenboa. 
Our course was directed towards the E. S. E. across 
a large valley. 
Two hours after we had set out, two Wehhabites 
coming from the mountains, stopped my camels, and 
asked me whither I was going. I told them to Medina. 
I received for answer that I could not continue my 
journey. A chief then presented himself, accompanied 
by two officers, mounted upon camels, and interrogated 
me anew. The chief believing me to be a Turk, threat- 
ened to cut off my head. I answered his questions very 
coolly, without being at all alarmed by his menaces. 
My answers were attested by my servants. In vain my 
imagination recalled to me at this moment, the news 
which had circulated at Djedda, that all the Turks 
leaving Mecca had been strangled: my demeanor was 
in no degree less calm. They ordered me to give them 
my money; I gave them four Spanish piastres which I 
had in my pocket. They insisted upon having more: I de- 
clared to them I had not any more, and told them they 
might search my effects if they pleased. They pretend- 
ed that I had money hid in my belt, (an ordinary cus- 
tom in the East,) I said not. They insisted: I then threw 
my cloak upon the ground, and began to undress my- 
self to satisfy them. They prevented me; but seeing 
the chain of my watch, they took it by force, and re- 
peated their menaces. After having robbed me, they 
desired us to proceed, and indicated to th© camel driver, 
a spot very near, where we were to dismount and wait 
their orders. 
Being arrived at the appointed spot, I immediately 
destroyed a case which contained the insects I had col- 
lected in Arabia, and threw it far from me, as also the 
