great beggars, and by no means scrupulous in their
conduct. I steadily resist their demands. En-Noor manages to preserve
his dignity by their side. He tells me he will go along with us as far
as Zinder. The Kailouees have some servants with them, very
good-humoured black fellows. Of the Tanelkums I know little; but Haj
Omer, who will accompany us to Kanou, seems a man of courage and tact.
There are two or three venerable old men amongst these Tuaricks,
together with some young ones. They all feel the civilising effect of
visiting Mourzuk. Certainly this people could do much, if they pleased,
for the civilisation of Africa; but at present they are actively engaged
in drawing out of the unfortunate central countries the capital
requisite to maintain even their existence. Of Boro, the sheikh of
Aghadez, I cannot yet venture an opinion. They say, he spoke sharply
against Hateetah and Wataitee.

To return to the Kailouees. I imagine they must resemble all the men we
shall find in the interior, in one respect--the love of women. They are
eloquent in describing the beauties of the cities of Soudan--eloquent, I
mean, in their sensual style, of which I cannot venture to give a
specimen. The Tanelkums, children of the desert, are, like the Haghars,
far less sensual in their imaginations, and indulge less in amorous
conversation. There are some comely women-slaves in the caravan, but
most of them are very plain. They have in general negro features, but a
few are light in complexion. Their clothing is poor, without any attempt
at finery; but when they have prepared the food of their masters they
take their shares freely. They walk well on the road when necessary, and
being light and slightly made, do not appear to suffer from fatigue.

As a rule, all these women are modest and decorous in behaviour, and are
treated with considerable respect. No master interferes with the slaves
of another, and most of them are permitted in their turn to ride. A poor
creature belonging to a Tuatee, however, is forced always to trudge on
foot, although its master often takes a lift himself. Two of the women
have infants in their arms--little things, as knowing, to all
appearance, as those that can run. These mothers, with their children,
are treated with great tenderness and care.

Some of the merchants had as many as three female slaves a-piece; but it
is to be observed, that they are mere girls. The Africans who can afford
to indulge their tastes