The greater part of the following day, May 14, was devoted to putting our large collections into order; but meanwhile negotiations for carrying out our plan of sleeping at Arround were the most pressing business, and at length, after endless palavers, and discussing countless difficulties, were brought to the desired conclusion. Almost alone among the men in authority, whom we met in Marocco, the sheik of this valley seemed to have no special aversion to us as strangers and Christians. For very sufficient reasons he was longing for the moment that should see us and our escort depart from his district; but meanwhile he seemed anxious to keep on friendly terms, and do what he could to meet our wishes. We had already made him several presents; but here, as elsewhere in the country, we found that most of the articles we had provided for that purpose were little appreciated. Opera glasses, musical boxes, and even watches are of small account, unless with the comparatively civilised men who have lived in the coast towns or the great cities: cutlery is much more sought after, and some large sheath knives, of which we had a fair supply, were always highly acceptable; but fire-arms, not necessarily of modern make, are far more welcome than any other gifts. On this occasion we resorted to a strange engine of seduction. Before leaving London, Ball had happened to pick up, in an old curiosity shop, an antiquated weapon, of the size of a large horse pistol, with four barrels intended to be loaded and discharged all together. This, which we had called the ‘young mitrailleuse,’ had been the subject of many jokes during the journey, but was now with due solemnity presented to the sheik. The effect of our munificence was immediate and satisfactory, and the sheik was gained over to our cause. Fortunately, the efficiency of the ‘young mitrailleuse’ was not tested while we were in the country. It may probably have been since employed with deadly effect; but it is doubtful whether the victim would be the person against whom the four barrels may have been directed. The sheik undertook that one of the houses in Arround should be cleared out for our reception; but, to provide for all contingencies, we arranged to take with us the two smaller and lighter tents, along with the usual supply of botanical paper and tin boxes.