"One day he took two men slaves and me on a journey. One of them ran
away, the other was sold by the way. I was sold at the Tuesday market
of Sidi bin Nur to a dealer in slaves, whom I heard promise my master
to keep me close for three months, and not to sell me in that place
lest the Nazarenes should get word of it. Some time after I was bought
by a tax-collector, with whom I remained till he died, and then lived
in the house of his son. This man sold me to my present master, who
has ill-treated me as I told thee. Oh, Bashador, when I fled from him,
I came to the English consul because I was told that the agent had had
no right to hold or sell me, since he had English protection. Thou
knowest what has happened since. Here I am, at thy feet, imploring
assistance. I beseech thee, turn me not away. I speak truth before
God."