uaricks of Ghat. Wataitee, the elder of the
two, is very plausible, and undertakes to accompany us as far as Aheer.
It is to be observed, that the Tuaricks of this place have hitherto
never ventured to come to Mourzuk; and it is considered wonderful that
they have come for the first time at the summons of infidels.

My first plan was, to proceed by the direct route to Aroukeen with the
Germans and the Tanelkums, and from this place make an indispensable
expedition to Ghat. But circumstances compel me to march direct to that
place by the common road. Our escort is to cost us dear, but it will
ensure our safety. These Ghat Tuaricks, however great they may talk in
their own country, are really very poor; they subsist almost entirely on
the custom-dues levied on caravans. Wataitee himself said, "I am the son
of the Sultan, it is true; but I have nothing. If I stay in my country,
I do not feel my necessities much; but if I must escort you to Aheer,
then I must be well-clothed and fed, or else the people will say,
'Behold the son of Shafou, how poor and miserable he is!'" Besides
paying about two hundred Spanish dollars for the escort, I have had to
feed all the people, and furnish them with tents. They had led me to
expect much more reasonable treatment; but there is no help, and I feel
that I am not yet at the end of my troubles of this description. With
these prefatory remarks, I enter upon an account of my departure from
Mourzuk for the oasis of Ghat.

CHAPTER VIII.

Wars in the Interior--Anticipated Disputes--Mr. Boro of Aghadez--Our
Treatment at Mourzuk--Mustapha Bey--Start for Ghat--Row with the
Escort--Fine Weather--Leave Tesaoua--Sharaba--Travelling in the
Heat--Hateetah and the Germans--The Camels--Snakes--Journey
continued--Nature of the Country--Complete Desert--Rain--Overtake
the Caravan--Interview with Boro--Pool of Ailouah--The
Tanelkums--Halt--Birds--Bir Engleez--Wind in the Desert--Begging
Escort--Brilliant Heavens--News from Ghat--The Pilgrims
again--Bas-relief of Talazaghe--Moved over the
Desert--Mountains--Extraordinary Pass--Central Table-land of Fezzan.

Hateetah has brought stirring intelligence: the Sultan of Bornou is at
war with his brother. Ten thousand Tuaricks of Aheer have gone against
the Walad Suleiman; and, taking advantage of the opportunity, the
Tuaricks of Timbuctoo are marching from the other direction to fall upon
their brethren of Aheer. Quarrels of kites and crows!--Yes, to