No sooner was the unlucky surety brought to the Divan than he was condemned to receive two hundred lashes for having given a false character.

The sentence was literally carried out, in spite of my remonstrance, and the police were ordered to make the case public to prevent a recurrence.

The Governor assured me that, as I held a firman from the Viceroy, he could not do otherwise, and that I must believe him to be my truest friend.

"Save me from my friends," was an adage quickly proved.

I could not procure a cook nor any other attendant, as every one was afraid to guarantee a character, lest he might come in for his share of the two hundred lashes! The Governor came to my rescue, and sent immediately the promised Turkish soldiers, who were to act in the double capacity of escort and servants.