an
opportunity presents itself; and this, after the privations of the
desert, is sure to bring on disease. Yusuf Moknee came to me this
evening, to know what was to be done on the next morning. He finds it
necessary to alter his conduct, as he sees now that I could do without
him. I determined to go on with him for the present. I do not wish to
leave him here with En-Noor, for he may do us harm with that subtle
Kailouee prince. I must take him away from the Tuaricks altogether.
I found all the Mourzuk people very friendly--everybody friendly; the
world seemed turned upside down after our treatment from the Tuaricks. I
began to make little presents, for I am determined our friends shall
have a portion of her Majesty's goods as well as our enemies; which
latter, indeed, took them away from us by force. I must not forget to
remark, that when I entered Zinder there was not a single person bold
enough to whisper the name _Kafer!_ so immense is the difference between
this Bornou country and the Tuarick territories.
_15th._--I rose early, having slept little. The weather was cool, the
thermometer at sunrise being at 59 deg.. I began to prepare our presents for
the Sultan and the Shereef. After much debating as to quantity, it was
determined to keep all the best things for Kuka, and give small presents
here. In this respect I must praise Yusuf and his friends amongst the
Mourzuk people.
I prepared a present for Sarkee Ibrahim, sultan of Zinder, consisting of
a piece of muslin for turban, a red turban, three heads of sugar, two
glass drinking-cups, painted, a cup and saucer for coffee, a few rings
in imitation of gold, cloves, two handkerchiefs (cotton), powder and
shot, fifty bullets, two or three small looking-glasses. The present for
the Shereef consisted of a carpet (hearth-rug), used here for kneeling
upon in performing prayers, three white sugar-loaves, cloves,
handkerchief (cotton), powder and shot, with some other trifles. The
present for Said, sent by Haj Beshir from Kuka, consisted of a cloth
caftan (coarse), a cotton handkerchief, and a piece of cotton stuff to
make a pillow.
I am happy to add, that all were content and satisfied; but we made them
understand--indeed, they knew it before we arrived--that the Tuaricks
had taken away nearly all my property.
I must add the present of the Shereef Saghir (little Shereef), who acts
as interpreter for the Sultan: a glass painted drinking-cup, a
handkerchief (cotto
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