those at
a distance; but it is too much to hope that our caravan will prove a
lark's nest in some Saharan battle-field. We must pray that a general
peace shall be proclaimed in Central Africa during our march across the
desert.

However, we must not be frightened by rumours, and, indeed, are not. We
pass from discussion of this warlike intelligence to bargain with
Hateetah, who, as I have hinted, seems inclined to play the Jew, or
rather--to speak in character--the Tibboo with us. It will cost a large
sum to pass through Ghat, and obtain an escort to Aheer. As a
consolation, we learn that we are to be persecuted by Boro Sakontaroua,
sheikh of Aghadez, who is displeased that he has received no presents
from us. It would appear that the letters of Hassan Pasha rather
compromised us to employ him as our escort; but I am not responsible for
this, having never deviated from the original plan of procuring an
escort from Ghat. Indeed, I wrote to that effect immediately on my
arrival in Tripoli; and it would not do, after keeping my friends in the
oasis in a turmoil all this while, to disappoint them. The desert has
its etiquette as well as the drawing-room, and infringements might be
rather more dangerous here.

The new acting Pasha has made the Tuaricks a present of some burnouses.
This, whilst lessening perhaps the comparative value of what we have
given, at any rate lays the chief under some obligations to the Turks,
and assists in making up a good round sum in payment for the trouble of
coming all the way from Ghat to Mourzuk to escort us.

By the way, Mr. Boro of Aghadez has been fetched back from his
encampment at Tesaoua by a man on horseback. The business was of some
consequence, according to the notions of these people. He had sold a
female slave, and the poor woman was now found to be _enceinte_ by
Boro's son, with whom she had been living as concubine. The law soon
despatched the affair, and compelled the Sheikh to restore the
purchase-money and take back his slave.

A last observation on Mourzuk, before leaving it behind in this Saharan
navigation. All the Ottoman authorities have treated us with attention
and respect. Mr. Gagliuffi has been hospitable, and the people generally
have proved courteous in their behaviour. It is rare to remain so long
in a place and have so few causes of complaint. Justice, however,
compels me to say, that the British Consul sometimes remembered too
vividly that he was also a merc