The Governor was courteous and even friendly in manner, and in general terms expressed his readiness to forward the objects of our journey. He seemed pleased with the articles which Hooker presented to him—a musical box, an opera-glass, and a long sheath-knife; but when a thermometer was added, and an attempt made to explain the use of the instrument, he at once returned it, saying that it would be of no service, and that he would much prefer a brace of pistols. The pistols were promised, and an unsuccessful attempt was actually made to forward them a year later. All had gone smoothly so far; but we were much disappointed when, the practical question of our intended exploration of the Amsmiz valley being brought forward, our friendly Governor expressed himself distinctly opposed to it, the only ground assigned being some doubt as to our safety. As the misbehaviour of Kaïd el Hasbi on the previous day had come to our knowledge during the interval, we at once came to the conclusion that the real obstacle was due to his machinations. On returning to our camp, Hooker summoned El Hasbi, and administered a ‘blowing-up,’ which produced the most salutary results. He was told that we were thoroughly aware of his treacherous conduct, and duly warned that if any further difficulty were thrown in the way of our reaching the high mountains, as we were fully authorised to do, a report should be sent to the Viceroy and to El Graoui, with a request that another officer should be sent to take charge of our escort. This drew forth a multitude of excuses, and profuse promises to do all that was possible to carry out our wishes. The effect was soon apparent; for we learned in the course of the afternoon that the Governor had summoned the sheik of the valley, in order to arrange for our visit, while at the same time we received an invitation to sleep that night in the _kasbah_, which we thought it judicious to accept.