Here then we were to close our travels through the desert, by diſcharging the debts contracted in it. We had now got our credit and letters, which furniſhed us with money. I began by recompensing Idris Welled Hamran, the Hybeer, for his faithful ſervices. The next thing was to keep our faith with our priſoner. I had made Idris chuse him a good camel, cloathed him anew, and gave him dresses for his two wives, with a load of dora. I then diſpatched him with the Aga's protection, wondering what men we were, who, without compulsion or subterfuge, kept our words so exactly. Though rich beyond his hopes, and so very lately our enemy, the poor fellow, with tears in his eyes, declared, if I would permit him, he would only go back and deliver up what I had given him to his family, and return to me at Syene, and follow me as my servant wherever I ſhould go.
Although we had wherewithal to have bought proper dreſſes, I thought it better to do this when we ſhould come to Cairo. We got each of us a coarſe barracan, for cleanliness only, and a pair of trowſers. I ſurnished Ismael with a green turban, to give us ſome weight with the vulgar during our voyage down the Nile. I then went to my friend the Aga, to concert the meaſures that remained neceſſary for leaving Aſſouan and beginning our journey. He teſtified the greateſt joy at seeing us again. He had been informed of our whole expedition by his ſervants the night before, and praiſed us, in the presence of his attendants, for our alacrity, steadineſs, and courage under the great fatigues of travelling. Iſmael had told him of the trees and plants which I painted, and he expreſſed great curioſity to ſee them when I ſhould find it convenient. From the
