, and those that became faint-hearted there would probably have
persevered had they got out into the bracing air of the desert. The
Tuaricks are very quiet. I sent word to Hateetah that it was impossible
for him to take presents from the Germans, as it was contrary to the
orders of Government. Shafou's son is very mild and circumspect.

Here also was Mohammed Boro, and although I had written strongly to
Tripoli about him, I considered it advisable after all, immediately on
arriving, to try and make friends with him. So I paid him a visit, and
told him that when the Tuaricks had conducted us to Aheer we should, of
course, place ourselves under his protection, that we might proceed to
Sakkatou. I sent him, also, some hamsah and dates. This gladdened him
much, for he is very short of provisions, and has many servants with
him; amongst the rest, two or three female slaves, one of whom, a fat,
buxom girl, must require prodigious nourishment.

When the pool of Ailouah is not filled by rain-water, recourse is had to
a well near at hand, which supplies sufficient quantities. How important
are wells in the desert, and how one learns to mark their existence!

The valley which we have been traversing three days from Sharaba to
Ailouah is called Barjouj, and is remarkable for the tholukh-trees,
which are scattered here and there throughout its whole extent. We are
now seven days from Ghat, and, about the same distance from Aroukeen;
but the Tanelkums, who go slowly, make thirteen days between this and
Aroukeen. They go direct, as we intended to do, without touching at
Ghat. Our movements are not exactly free, but we must not seem to notice
this circumstance; and if they insist on our taking the route by the
capital, in order to have an opportunity of increased plunder, must give
in with as good grace as possible.

The 2d and 3d of July we stopped at Ailouah. Hateetah came to my tent
the first day with a long face, and said, as I foresaw, that we must all
go to Ghat, and abide the pleasure of the Tuaricks; also that we must
wait for the return of a caravan from Aheer. I protested against this
latter pretence, and he got up and went off in a pet. Next morning I
sent word to his tent that I could not stay at Ghat an indefinite
period; that my means would not allow me; and, therefore, that we must
still protest against this arrangement. He answered, that he would
assemble all the notables of Ghat and ask their counsel. To this I coul