TRIPOLY TO BENGAZI.

95 our tent-cords. The old Ddbbah looked round to enjoy the applause which he felt he had deserved, for his horsemanship and his mare, from the crowd who had witnessed the exhibition ; and the two Shekhs alighted and entered the tent, each apparently well pleased with himself.

Within they found everything arranged for their reception : the dusty ground had been previously adorned with a mat, over which had been spread some small carpets ; and we had taken care to have coffee and sherbet in readiness, which were served up as soon as they were seated. Shekh Belcazi was introduced to our acquaintance by the Dhbbah, who took care at the same time to inform us of his rank and importance ; accompanying his harangue with a profusion of fulsome Arab compliments, which were received by Belcdzi as a matter of course, and appreciated by us as they deserved. As soon as the usual salutations were over, and the coffee and lemonade had been disposed of (though not before Belckzi had satisfied his curiosity with regard to the several uses of every object in the tent), we began to make arrangements for the number of camels which would be necessary for our journey across the Syrtis. The Shekh of Mesurata undertook to provide them, and freely offered his assistance in any other way in which it might be serviceable to our party.

The camels could not be procured on the moment, but it was settled that Belcdzi should let us know the next morning how soon he would be able to collect them. The Dhbbah, in his turn, now began to expatiate upon the attention which he would shew us when we reached the district of Syrt, over which he presided as Shekh ;