“Let no one insult the Christian,” said Sidi Hecham, “until we learn his purpose in landing here.”

They asked him, “What do you want?”

The Christian replied, “We wish to receive, in the name of God, pledges of security.”

All who were present said, “God grants to you security with us.”

The Christian then continued, “My object is to trade with you.”

“That is quite agreeable to us,” answered Hecham.  Then Hecham asked the Christian what he wanted to purchase.”

“Oil, butter, wheat, oxen, sheep, and chickens,” said he.

When the Mussulmans heard this they gathered together wheat, oil, oxen, and everything he had mentioned.  He made his purchases, and was well supplied.  The master of the ship then said: 

“Our business is finished.  We must go back home.  But we shall return to you.”  Hecham answered: 

“That which I have done for you is not pleasing to the people of Aglou.  It is only on account of the pledge of security that I have been able to restrain them.  I have given you all you asked.  Next time you come, bring us fifty cannons and ten howitzers.”

“Very well,” answered the Christian, “I shall return this time next year.”

“Do as you promise,” replied Hecham, “and I will give you whatever you want in the country of the Mussulmans.”

V

A STORY ABOUT THE COUNTRY OF AIT-BAMOURAN

There arrived in this country at the beginning of the year another ship which stopped at a place called Ifni, in the tribe of Ait-Bamouran, and stayed there three days.  Then one of the sailors got into a small boat, came ashore, and said to the inhabitants, “I will buy bread, meat, and water from you.”

The Mussulmans brought him bread, figs, and water, saying:  “You must send two of your men ashore while we go on board the ship with you.”

“It is well,” replied the Christian.  Then he went to get two of his men whom he brought ashore and said to the Mussulmans:  “You must give me one of your men.”

They gave him a hostage to remain on board the Christian ship.  Then they filled a boat, and boarded the ship themselves to deliver what they had sold.  They ran all over the ship looking at everything.  Then they said, “Come with us to the spring and we will draw water.”  The Christians accompanied them to the fountain to fill their water-casks.  The other natives, to the number of fifteen, got into a boat and went to the ship.  With the water-party and the hostages ashore there were only four Christians on the ship when the Mussulmans boarded it.

“Don’t come aboard till our men have come back,” said the Christians.