TRIPOLY TO BENGAZI. 
127 
accident which occurred in the neighbourhood of Jebha convinced 
us that more caution was necessary on these occasions ; and we were 
afterwards surprised, not only at our numerous escapes, but at our 
want of penetration in not having sooner perceived the danger to 
which the nature of the marsh had exposed us. It is probable that 
the frequent attempts of our guides to excuse themselves from any 
service of difficulty or exertion, had prepared us to distrust them 
on all subjects equally, and to overlook dangers for no other reason 
than because they were mentioned to us by them. Truth is so 
little regarded by an Arab, that when his interest or his comfort 
will be promoted by a breach of it, he is always prepared with a 
falsehood ; and it is difficult, even for those who are well acquainted 
with his character, to tell when he is sincere in his assertions. 
One of two things must necessarily result from this want of proper 
feehng : they who place too much confidence in Arab sincerity will 
continually be deceived and imposed upon, or they who distrust 
it too far will on some occasions be liable to wish that they had been 
less obstinate in their disbelief. 
As two of our party were making their way across the marsh 
(a few days after the conversation just related) to something which 
bore the appearance of a ruin, the ground suddenly gave way 
beneath the feet of the foremost horse, and discovered a hollow of 
ten or twelve feet in depth, at the bottom of which appeared water. 
The animal, who was galloping at the time, feeling the insecurity 
of his footing, sprang violently forward with all the energy of terror, 
and by this sudden exertion saved himself and his rider from 
