86 JOURNEY FROM To return to our subject, we may remark, in conclusion, that a very considerable part of the population of Zellten are Jews; and we were informed that the manufactures of the place are chiefly in the hands of these people : we found them uniformly civil, obliging, and industrious, and though much persecuted by the Mahometan inhabitants, they appear to support their ill fortune contentedly.

On the morning of the 1 8th we left Zehten, and entered immediately upon an extensive plain, for the most part overrun with squills and brushwood. Two roads cross this plain, one to Mesuthat this species of blockade is not ilways sure to be effectual. Some Arabs of the Zoasi tribe, who had escaped from Bey Hamed after the massacre of their companions in the castle, took refuge in the tomb of a celebrated Marabut, situated in the vicinity of the town. The Bey could not venture to force the sanctuary which they had reached, but took every means in his power to prevent their escape, or their communication with any person without. He had closely blockaded the tomb with his troops ; and flattered himself that they must shortly perish with hunger, or be reduced to the necessity of surrendering themselves to the soldiers. In either case the object of the Bey would have been accomplished, and he confidently waited the result ; while the anxiety of the people and neighbourhood of Bengazi, who pitied the unfortunate fugitives, was raised to the highest pitch. Every one was expecting some horrid catastrophe, for the destruction of the prisoners, by famine or the sword, appeared to be now inevitable ; when the timely interference of the departed Marabut was miraculously exerted in their favour. On t he third day after their arrival at the sanctuary, to the astonishment of the assembled spectators, a stream of water was seen to issue from the tomb, and the ground all about it was observed to be strewed with dates and other articles of food for the refugees ! ! !

It was clear that no other than the Marabut himself could have afibrded this providential supply — (X6701U.EV Sg ra. Xsynm ccuroi Aivsr, we tell the tale as it was told to us) — for the place had been watched day and niglit by the troops, who had been carefully and regularly relieved ; and every Arab of Bengazi and the adjacent country can still testify the fact as it is stated !

The same story may be found in the work of Dr. Della Celia, who informs us that the miracle look place dui-ing his residence at Bengazi.