Chapter 7 Summary

Chapter 7 opens with Stephen and Jacob and their guide and helpers riding horses with camels carrying their supplies into the Atlas in search of the Dey. Jacob demonstrates his intimate knowledge of the culture of the Arabs by behaving in all the proper ways with his hosts at the Oasis. The guide is very proud of his country and works hard to find ways to astonish a well-traveled Maturin. Jacob suggests to Maturin that Jacob pretend to be Maturin's dragoman. The men finally approach the Dey's hunting lodge, which Jacob had visited as a boy.

Maturin is welcomed into the presence of the Vizier and they exchange pleasantries and Maturin gives him the gift of the blue stone, with which the Vizier is suitably impressed. Maturin then informs the Vizier of the purpose of his visit and his desire to meet with the Dey. Maturin speaks of...