Bilma in search of salt; and I
originally understood that the great annual caravan was for the
transport of this necessary article. Perhaps En-Noor means to go slowly
on, just to keep us in good humour. Our intercourse with the Kailouees
has taught us to consider them a very mild, companionable race. Often
indeed, like children, I wonder what the Tibboos can see in them to make
them so desperately afraid, for I am told ten Kailouees will frighten
away fifty Tibboos of Bilma. But the Tibboos of Tibesty are considered a
braver race. It is worthy of remark, that these cowardly Tibboos have a
bad character, and, like most cowards, are very treacherous.

I determined not to carry the little box in which the two bottles of
champagne were packed any further; so I, Overweg, Yusuf, and the
servants, set to work and drank a bottle of it, to the toast, "that we
might have better luck higher up than all have hitherto experienced."
The other bottle I have stowed away in reserve for the Lake Tchad, to
drink the health of Her Majesty when we launch the boat, if we are
fortunate enough to arrive there.

I went to the wells to see the people get water this morning. A number
of little children came,--some naked, and others with small pieces of
leather round their loins: they all wore very large necklaces of charms
sown up in leather bags.

CHAPTER IV.

Dr. Barth's Journey to Aghadez--Description of the
Route--Tiggedah--Luxuriant Scenery of Asadah--Plain of Tarist--Beautiful
Valley--Buddeh--Small Caravan--Aghadez--its Inhabitants--their
Occupation--The great Koku, or Sultan--Asbenouee Revolutions--Election
of a Prince--Interview--Ceremony of Investiture--Razzia--Intricate
Political System--Account of Aghadez--Mosque--Environs--Women--Tribes
of Asben--The Targhee Family--Population of the Ghat Districts--of
Aheer--The Oulimad and Tanelkums--Tribe of
Janet--Haghar--Sagamaram--Maghatah--Extent of Aheer--Connexion
with the Black Countries--Mechanism of Society in
Aheer--Chieftains--Tax-gathering--Food of the
Kailouees--Maharees--Amusements--Natural Features of
Asben--Vegetation--Cultivation--Manufactures--Bags for Charms.

Dr. Barth[6] has made a very interesting journey to Aghadez. He says the
track lies either through fine valleys or over mountain-chains cut up by
defiles. Here and there were charming spots, green with herbage and
trees. In going, the shallow wells at Eghelloua were found to be full of
water; but a month lat