ame this morning to ask for
little presents. I gave the mother of Mohammed, who commanded our
escort, a handkerchief. This young man has, we are told, gone out this
morning alone to search for our lost camels. Meanwhile, in the hope that
our property may be restored to us, I propose to write to Zinder for an
escort. It is better and more agreeable to pay escorts than robbers in
these countries. But I must wait for the recovery of En-Noor. They tell
us now that there are no robbers or bandits along the Soudan route at
all; and the proof cited is, that the smallest caravans pass in safety.
The property of Christians, however, will probably be considered as
common property, the lawful prey of every one who may be disposed to
possess himself of it. This news of peace, therefore, concerns us not.
We may still have to buy our way.

The thermometer under the tent this evening, at an hour after dark, was
81 deg. Fahrenheit.

_7th._--I rose late, after a more refreshing sleep than usual, and felt
much better in health. The sky was overcast with thick clouds; and the
thermometer stood at 77 deg. at seven A.M. My first question was, whether
any news had been heard of the camels; but I only learned that on the
previous day many people had gone in search of them, scouring the
country. The servants notice that I am much depressed, and endeavour to
cheer me. On the whole I must say that they show considerable good
feeling.

I remember now with pleasure, that when we were attacked on the road and
I appeared with arms amongst them, they always insisted upon my going to
my tent, exclaiming: "Go, O Consul, to your tent; rest there: you shall
not fight." Some added: "Let them kill us first; then you may fight if
you please: but whilst we are living remain in your tent!" These were
not mere words, but expressed sympathy and fidelity. I ought to mention,
that all along this journey I went among the people by the name of
Consul Yak[=o]b, whilst Dr. Barth was known as the Reis, and Dr. Overweg
as the Taleb.

On this occasion these poor fellows threw words of consolation to me in
the midst of their bartering for provisions, which at the present moment
was their greatest care, if I except that of eating them. They have been
living on short commons, and have suffered as much as we have. Want of
regular food may have had an effect on me. I find that my hopes of good
health are to be disappointed. I am obliged to keep my bed this
afternoon, an