’Fatima overheard, during the night, some disputes and debates between the robbers, about the disposal of her person, one of whom was single, and declared his willingness to marry the girl, and so retain her with them; but Fatima had, when she was seized, recognized his countenance, having seen him before, and knew that his connexions lived in the town of Bytool Faakere, which she had unguardedly declared.  The robbers, therefore, dreaded detection if her life was spared; they were not by nature sanguinary, but in this case there seemed no medium between their apprehension and the death of Fatima.

’The female, however, who had at first sight appeared so amiable and friendly, fulfilled the poor girl’s impressions, by strenuously exerting her influence, and eventually prevailed, in saving the orphan Fatima from the premeditated sacrifice of life; and as no better arrangement could be made to secure the robbers from detection, it was at length agreed she should be sold to slavery.  This decided on, the swiftest camel in their possession was prepared at an early hour, a few short minutes only being allowed to Fatima, to pour out her gratitude to God, and express her acknowledgements to her humane benefactress, when she was mounted on the camel’s back, with the husband of that kind-hearted female.

’With the prospect of continued life, poor Fatima ceased to feel acute agony, and bore the fatigue of a whole day’s swift riding without a murmur, for the Bedouin’s behaviour was marked with respect.  Towards the evening, as they drew near to a large town, the Bedouin halted by the margin of a forest, and the long night was passed in profound silence, with no other shelter than that which the forest afforded; and at the earliest dawn the march was again resumed, nor did he slacken his speed, until they were in sight of Mocha, where he designed to dispose of his victim.  She was there sold to a regular slave-merchant, who was willing to pay the price demanded when he saw the beautiful face and figure of the poor girl, expecting to make a handsome profit by the bargain.

’The Bedouin made his respectful obedience and departed in haste, leaving poor Fatima in almost a state of stupor from fatigue.  Left however to herself in the slave-merchant’s house, she seemed to revive, and again to reflect on the past, present, and future.  Her escape from death called forth grateful feelings, and she felt so far secure that the wretch who had bought her, had an interest in her life, therefore she had no further fear of assassination.  But then she reverted to her bonds; painful indeed were the reflections, that she who had been nobly born, and nursed in the lap of luxury, should find herself a slave, and not one friendly voice to soothe her in her bondage.  She resolved however (knowing the privilege of her country’s law) to select for herself a future proprietor.

’Her resolution was soon put to the test; she was summoned to appear before a fisherman, who had caught a glimpse of her fine figure as she entered Mocha, and who desired to purchase her to head his house.  The poor girl summoned all her courage to meet this degrading offer with dignity.  A handsome sum was offered by the fisherman, as she appeared before him to reject the proposal.  “Here is your new master, young lady,” said the slave-merchant; “behave well, and he will marry you.”