(pointing
to the vice-consul), he is pleasant and complaisant. He constantly
endeavours to please me. I wish you to imitate him. I have desired it of
you. You must write to your master, that I am satisfied with his
presents. Adieu, retire a little with the slaves which I have _given
you_.[37] Choose any of my ports which may be most convenient for your
embarkation. Adieu, I go to name the officers of my court, who will
accompany you to the place of the consular residence."

[Footnote 37: We were seven in number, viz. myself, the baker, and
five others, belonging to the ship (_Les Deux Amis_) the Two
Friends, which had been shipwrecked some time before us.]

It was customary at these audiences, for the emperor to take cognizance
of all the affairs of police. He appeared mounted upon a white horse,
caparisoned with a scarlet and blue cloth; gold tassels hung round the
crupper. A squire walked at the side of the sovereign, who held in his
hand a long pole, at the end of which was an umbrella, to defend his
majesty from the heat of the sun. The guard followed them on foot in
great silence. Every thing announced fear. A look from the sovereign
every where spread consternation. At his least word, he saw the head of
one or more of his subjects fall without the least emotion. The culprit
is lifeless, ere the last words of the sentence are out of his mouth.
However, I never knew a rich man, who could buy his favour, suffer
death, be his crime what it might.

What can be thought of a prince, who, upon an idea which had been
suggested to him, that I was doubtless a Christian, more remarkable than
the rest, because I was better drest, and the consul paid me more
attention, forget every thing he had promised, and sent orders to
Mogador, to arrest me, and send me back to Morocco? Happily the winds
had wafted me to too great a distance, when the messenger came to
signify to the governor his master's pleasure.

I may therefore say that misfortune followed me to the last. I had
certainly sunk under my misfortunes as well as my companions, had I not
been supported by a steady firmness, and an unlimited confidence in
Divine Providence. I must not forget to mention, that before my
departure, Sidy Sellem went away abundantly satisfied with the
generosity of the consul.

* * * * *

I did not wish to interrupt my narrative, as I thought it would be more
proper, that it should be followed with