osed, they would
have abandoned us to save themselves, at which we should not have been
surprised. Had there been a regular battle, in which they had taken
part, the road would certainly have been closed to them ever afterwards.

Like all Tuaricks, these Tanelkums are great beggars, and such of them
as were with us allowed no opportunity to escape of getting something
out of us. They are always accompanied by a few Haghars or Azghers. In
features they are for the most part European; a few only are marked by
negro characters; but nearly all are very dark in complexion. They are
generally good-looking, tall, and slightly made. Their manners are quite
Tuarick, and they speak a regular Tuarick dialect. They also speak a
little Arabic, and understand the Hausa. As to religion, they are very
devout and superstitious, and remain long at their prayers.

The huckster-women of the town continue to visit us, bringing their
small wares. Many of them have their faces painted very picturesquely
with green and yellow. They are mere negroes in features. These women
bring very small quantities of the dark-brown rice of Soudan, with
ghaseb, onions, and other little things.

I find that our servants are to-day in better spirits, because we have
got a supply of provisions. I repeat again, that the Germans and myself
enjoy tolerably good health, but none of us can be said to be in a state
of robust bodily vigour.

This portion of the landscape of Aheer, if I may use the term landscape,
does not differ materially from the first which we entered. The rocks
are all granite, and of one colour.

The greater part of the trees are tholukh and souak. The hasheesh
consists chiefly of the _bou rekabah_.

In the valley I observe a fine old specimen of the Soudan tree, called,
in Bornouese, _k[)a]raghou_. The little black-and-white bird which has
followed us all through the desert from Mourzuk still appears here, and
sings a little.

It is difficult to describe the state of mind in which I write down all
these things. Here we are helplessly encamped, our camels driven away,
and no signs of their return. Certainly En-Noor sends us promises that
he will do what he can for us; but though we do not doubt his goodwill
we begin to be uncertain of his power. He is still suffering from
rheumatism and fever, and they tell us he is not able to receive
strangers. Let us hope that this seclusion bodes no ill to our
interests. Some of his female relations c