Whilst these magnificences are going on, we are enjoying the comfortable
reflection that all our losses are gains to other people, whether they
be friends or enemies.
I had as much trouble to satisfy the parties who found the Arabic Bible
as if I was purchasing their own property, and not rewarding them for
accidentally finding some of my lost goods. Finally, however, I arranged
to give them two cotton-printed handkerchiefs and a small quantity of
spices. This was more than enough. These rewards for finding our lost
property naturally impels our friendly people, either to rob us
themselves or to wish that others may rob us, that they may have
something to gain by attempting to recover our lost things. What we had
to pay for the recovery of each of our camels was almost as much as some
of them were worth.
The weather has been dry and hot for the last few days; at noon the
thermometer rose to 100 deg. under the tent. Suddenly it became cloudy, and
a few drops of rain began to patter down. There was every appearance of
a storm, and our people began to collect towards the tents. At this time
another courier arrived from the new Sultan, Abd-el-Kader, of Aghadez,
respecting us. His highness says:--"No one shall hurt the Christians: no
one shall lift up a finger against them; and if they wish to come to my
city, I shall be very happy to receive them." This courier arrived so
quickly after the other, that I suspect his highness may be spelling for
a large present; or he may have just heard of the bad treatment we have
received, and being a new man has determined to afford us some
reparation.
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