188 
Our meeting took place in presence of the principal fa- 
kih, or doctor of law of the Sultan's, who was a very re- 
spectable man. The attack began, and I was obliged to 
refute the arguments of my two antagonists. . Our dis- 
cussion lasted several hours. Muley Abdsulem finding 
himself engaged between the Sultan and myself, was 
very much embarrassed, and tearsran from his poor blind 
eyes. 1 was much more affected with the dangerous 
situation to which this respectable prince had been ex- 
posing himself on my account, than with any thing that 
could result to myself from it, and, therefore, I took him 
by the hand and said; "Well, Muley Abdsulem, as I am 
" sensible of the interest you bear me, and convinced 
u that you know the bottom of my heart, even my most 
" secret thoughts, pray tell me how I am to act; I shall 
" abide by your advice; but consider well." He took 
my hand to his heart, and, after a few moment's silence, 
he said, almost stammering; "Then let the women be 
" taken again to your house." I replied, "I consent to 
** it; but I must tell you, Muley Abdsulem, that I shall 
" not see them. The day of my departure for Mecca is 
*' approaching, and not seeing them, it shall be at their 
" choice to stay or to follow me; in the latter case they 
" may rely on my protection." 
This declaration put Muley Abdsulem at his ease. 
He could not command himself; and the transition from 
the extreme depression of his mind to the greatest joy, 
worked so strongly on him, that he embraced me most 
heartily; his face became bright and tears of joy rolled 
from his eyes. We agreed that these women should 
come to my house that very night, but without noise or 
ceremony. Upon this I went home. These women, 
being a present of the Sultan, were a white one called 
Mohhana, and a black one called Tigma. 
