420 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
Close to Abed’s elbows of late years lias been the 
long-nosed young Arab Mohammed bin Sayid, super- 
stitious beyond measure, of enormous cunning and 
subtlety, a pertinacious beggar, of keen trading instincts, 
but in all matters outside trade as simple as a child. 
He offered, for a consideration and on condition that I 
would read the Arabic Koran, to take me up and convey 
me to any part of Africa within a day. By such un- 
blushing falsehoods he has acquired considerable influence 
over the mind of Sheikh Abed. The latter told me 
that he was half afraid of him, and that he believed 
Mohammed was an extraordinary man. I asked the 
silly old Sheikh if he had lent him any ivory. No ; but 
he was constantly being asked for the loan of ten 
Frasilah (350 lbs.) of ivory, for which he was promised 
fifteen Frasilah, or 525 lbs., within six months. 
Mohammed, during the very first day of my arrival, 
sent one of his favourite slaves to ask first for a little 
writing-paper, then for needles and thread, and, a couple 
of hours afterwards, for white pepper and a bar of soap ; 
in the evening, for a pound or two of sugar and a little 
tea, and, if I could spare it, he would be much obliged 
for some coffee. The next day petitions, each very 
prettily worded — for Mohammed is an accomplished 
reader of the Koran— came, first for medicine, then for 
a couple of yards of red cloth, then for a few yards of 
fine white sheeting, &c. I became quite interested in 
him — for was he not a lovable, genial character, as he 
sate there chewing betel-nut and tobacco to excess, 
twinkling his little eves with such malicious humour in 
them that, while talking with him, I could not withdraw 
mine from watching their quick flashes of cunning, and 
surveying the long, thin nose with its impenetrable 
mystery and classic lines ? I fear Mohammed did not 
love me, but my admiration was excessive for Mohammed. 
“La il Allah — il Allah ! ” he was heard to say to 
Sheikh Abed, “ that old white man Daoud never gave 
much to any man ; this white man gives nothing'' 
Certainly not, Mohammed. My admiration is great for 
thee, my friend ; but thou best so that I am disgusted 
