He shouted and blustered, just as the captain had done; but I remained deaf, and rode forward towards the custom-house.

Then he came down to three piastres, then to two, and finally said he would be content with one, which I threw to him.

When I reached the custom-house, hands were stretched out towards me from all sides; I gave something to the chief person, and let the remaining ones clamour on.

When, after experiencing these various annoyances, I rode on towards the town, a new obstacle arose.

My Arab guide inquired whither he should conduct me.