an.

I went to the wells, which are bored through the hard red clay, in the
shape of small circular holes, of about fifty feet in depth. There is
very little water at this season, but it is sufficient for the wants of
the village when the salt-caravan is not here.

The inhabitants of Damerghou consist of Kailouee Tuaricks--Bornouese
runaways and slaves--Haussa people, free and slaves--Bousa, or the
descendants of Tuaricks by slaves, and a few Fullanee. This is also the
refuge of dethroned sultans, as well as runaway slaves. There is now
here the Kailouee prince called Maaurgi, who exercised authority some
years since in Aheer. Damerghou, indeed, appears to be common ground,
where every one who pleases, and is strong enough, comes to establish
himself. Many runaways, freemen from Bornou, who had committed some
misdemeanour, being found in this country weak and unable to protect
themselves, were reduced to slavery by a Tuarick prince. The slaves here
answer to the serfs of Russia, with the exception that they may be taken
away and sold in other countries.

_10th._--The morning was cool because of the wind. They held a souk, or
market, to-day near us. Provisions were very cheap. I was greatly amused
to see the small quantities of sunbal which Mahadee had laid out for two
zekkas of ghaseb. For myself I was much plagued by the women, who all
admire my beard; not, certainly, my red nose, which is terribly scorched
and peeled by the sun.

Overweg visited the dethroned Sultan of Asoudee, who is living here in
state, in the midst of his slaves. He holds a sort of court, and,
contrary to the free customs of the Tuaricks, he permits slaves who
approach him to prostrate themselves and throw dust on their heads. He
is the uncle of the present Sultan of Asoudee, and is called Masouarji.
In his fallen condition he gave Overweg a hospitable reception, and a
present of dates, which was duly acknowledged.

Yusuf, refusing to do some translation which I requested him, now
forfeits all claims to my service. I told him, to-day, to go off to
Kanou. Afterwards I arranged with him to go with me to Zinder, where,
before the governor, I hope to get clear of him; for he is now of little
use, and costs me more than all my servants together.

Mohammed Tunisee has done him great harm; but, nevertheless, this chap
continues to improve since the arrangement made, by which he becomes
only the servant of Barth. The Germans, however, are still afra