When it was seen by those on the ship, a sailor came ashore
in a small boat and approached the Mussulmans there assembled.
"Let no one insult the Christian," said Sidi Hecham, "until we learn his
purpose in landing here."
They asked him, "What do you want?"
The Christian replied, "We wish to receive, in the name of God, pledges of
security."
All who were present said, "God grants to you security with us."
The Christian then continued, "My object is to trade with you."
"That is quite agreeable to us," answered Hecham. Then Hecham asked the
Christian what he wanted to purchase."
"Oil, butter, wheat, oxen, sheep, and chickens," said he.
When the Mussulmans heard this they gathered together wheat, oil, oxen, and
everything he had mentioned. He made his purchases, and was well supplied.
The master of the ship then said:
"Our business is finished. We must go back home. But we shall return to
you." Hecham answered:
"That which I have done for you is not pleasing to the people of Aglou. It
is only on account of the pledge of security that I have been able to
restrain them.
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