60 AN ANCIENT CUSTOM ABOLISHED.

ever considered holy ground, and that Christians, during its former establishment, always descended and entered the town on foot, intimating at the same time that it was expected I should do the same. I had been before cautioned by Mr. Gwyn, the British consul at Mogodor, not to expostulate at this request, as it would certainly be required ofme to conform to ancient usages. But I knew too well the disposition of the people, and the great desire that pervaded all ranks to have the port established ; I therefore turned my horse, and told the bashaw's sons, that I was come, with the blessing of God,, to bring prosperity to the land, to make the poor rich, and to improve the condition and multiply the conveniences of the opulent ; that I cameta establish commerce for their advantage, not for mine ; that it was indifferent to me whether I returned to Mogodor or remained with them. The sons of the bashaw became alarmed, and' entreated me, with clasped hands, to wait till they should report to the bashaw my words and observations. I consented, and soon after they returned with their father's earnest request that I should enter a-horseback : old customs, said the venerable old bashaw when, immediately afterwards, 1 met him in the street ; old customs are abolished, enter and go out of this town a-horseback or a-foot, we desire the prosperity of this port, and that its commerce may flourish ; All the people qfSuse hail you as their deliverer y God has sent you to us to turn the desert intot 6