character of his exploits soon obtained for him the appellation of
El Dùbbah, or the Hyaena.
At a more advanced period, when the rigorous measures of the
Bashaw seemed likely to reduce the Arab tribes to subjection, Ma-
hommed, finding it probably more to his interest, went over to His
Highness’s party; and from his knowledge of the country, and the
interest which he possessed, was enabled to render him very essential
service: he was in consequence established as Shekh of Syrt, a
district of more than two hundred miles in extent. We were glad
to find that Shekh Mahommed was as eager as ourselves for an early
departure from Tripoly ; he soon began to enumerate all thè various
disadvantages which were to be expected from travelling in the
rainy season over the low and swampy regions of the Syrtis; and
drew such pictures of them as would have determined us to set
out immediately had our movements depended upon ourselves;
But the delays of the tradesmen, who furnished our supplies, and
many others, which could neither be foreseen nor prevented, retarded
the movements of the Expedition ; and it was not till the morning
of the 5th of November that we were able to set out on our journey.
I t may well be imagined that the attractions of Tripoly are neither
very great nor very numerous; and our stay there had been attended
with a good deal of trouble and vexation in making the necessary
arrangements for our departure : but the friendly attentions which
we had invariably received from many of its principal European inhabitants,
as well as from several of its Mahometan residents, greatly
contributed to enliven the monotony of a Moorish town ; and it was
not without feelings of sincere regret that we took leave of our little
circle of acquaintance. This had latterly been increased by the
arrival of Dr. Oudney and Lieutenant Clapperton, of the navy, who
were commissioned by Government to make researches in the interior
of Africa; and who were to proceed to Bornou, by way of
Morzouk, as soon as the preparations could be completed which
were necessary for so tedious a journey.