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BENGAZI. 
strongly the Asiatic cast of countenance and features, and an expres- 
sion of unassuraed and unreserved goodnature gave a pleasing cha- 
racter to his sharp, black eyes. His reception of our party was in 
unison with his appearance ; and the formal inclination of the head, 
usually made by Mahometans to strangers whom they honour with 
their notice, gave place to a hearty English shake of the hand ; 
while a cordial Bon giorno ! Ti stan bono? was substituted for the 
grave and ceremonious salam, which, whenever it is offered by the 
faithful to unbelievers, is almost invariably dictated by politeness 
or policy merely. 
Near the Bey stood his secretary, Hashi (whose pale and thin coun- 
tenance, and weak, inflamed eyes, appeared to testify that his place 
was no sinecure) ; and two of his head chaouses, one a native of 
Constantinople, a short, corpulent, sleepy-looking personage ; the 
other a tall, raw-boned, hard-featured Arab, who had shewn great 
bravery and activity in petty wars with the Bedouin tribes, and 
whose shattered hand bore testimony to his exploits. 
Several persons came in from time to time, and having kissed his 
excellency’s hand, and made the appropriate salams, squatted them- 
selves down in different parts of the room, according to their rank 
and station, and began with great attention their survey of our party. 
The objects of the expedition had in all probability been made 
known to the Bey before our arrival ; but we thought it proper to 
state them in general terms to his excellency, through the medium 
of Mr. Giacomo Kossoni, in his official character of interpreter. 
This was no sooner done than the eyes of the spectators, which 
