177 
the plants and fossils collected in the journey from Jen- 
boa. I swallowed a letter from Prince Mulei Abdsulem, 
which might have compromised me in the eyes of these 
fanatics. I gave to my Hhazindar some piastres that I 
had in my little trunk, and remained perfectly quiet. 
My servants hid the tobacco they had under some 
stones, and we awaited their orders. 
A moment afterwards, two Wehhabites came to es- 
tablish themselves near us, to keep us in sight. Happily 
this arrangement was tardy, for we were already disen- 
cumbered of every thing that might have compromised 
us. I am persuaded that we owed these precious mo- 
ments to the cupidity of these men, who had withdrawn 
to divide the booty, which they were at a loss to do 
equally among five persons. 
Two more Wehhabites arrived two hours afterwards, 
saying they were sent by the Emir, who demanded 
from me five hundred francs for my deliverance. I told 
them I had no money, and they withdrew. 
Another Wehhabite soon after presented himself, 
with an order to conduct us to another place. We went 
with him behind a neighbouring mountain, where I 
found the whole of my caravan equally made prisoners. 
All my companions, who were surrounded by a 
strong guard, were pale, trembling, and unhappy con- 
cerning their fate. I seated myself beside the Arabs. 
The Turks were separated from us at a distance. 
A Wehhabite arrived, and announced that every pil- 
grim, whether Turk or Mogrebin Arab, was to pay 
five hundred francs. At this demand all my unfortunate 
companions uttered cries, and asked for mercy with 
tears in their eyes. As for myself, I said quietly that 
my answer had been already given, but I spoke in 
favour of my comrades. 
Vol. IT Z 
