NASSUK. 
163 
down, and by the writing upon the wall. In truth, 
a very accurate surmise was made as to all the facts 
relating to the occurrence ; but, at the same time, it 
gave rise to a thousand fears for the fate of the three 
hundred gallant horsemen who had been sent out 
against the marauders. When, therefore, after seven 
or eight days of apprehension and suspense, they all 
returned in safety to their quarters, they were 
received with surprise and delight ; and the relation 
of their extraordinary adventures excited in Dherm- 
ben-Nassuk, and all who heard it, the greatest 
admiration of the bandit chief, especially when 
they were told of the great strength and wonderful 
discipline of his followers. Dherm-ben-Nassuk im- 
mediately made a vow of inviolable amity towards 
him, expressing an impatience to exchange turbans 
with him, and thus secure his friendship and valu- 
able alliance. So greatly was he captivated by the 
robber’s generosity, his skill, and his nice sense of 
honour, that he ultimately despatched an embassy > 
inviting him to court, and offering him a high title 
of nobility, and the command of ten thousand horse. 
Upon receipt of this message, Yakoob Lais was as 
much surprised as he was delighted by so magnificent 
a proposal ; and seeing therein a shadow of still 
grander prospects, he immediately expressed his 
readiness to accept it, provided only that a know- 
ledge of the truth, as to the number of his followers, 
should make no alteration in Dherm-ben-Nassuk’s 
