This
escort appeared after some delay; and the Mission proceeded across the
Fezzan plains to the independent state of Ghat, through a very wild and
picturesque country. At this point began, if not the most arduous, at
any rate the most dangerous, and at the same time the most novel, part
of the journey. Mr. Richardson had undertaken, on his way to Soudan
Proper (his first destination), to pass by the hitherto unexplored
kingdom of Aheer or Asben, situated towards the southern limits of the
Sahara. The march of the Mission across the deserts that lie between
Ghat and that territory was rendered exciting by continual reports of
danger from pursuing freebooters of the Haghar and Azgher tribes; but
the enemy were outstripped, and no actual attack took place until the
first inhabited districts of Aheer were reached. Here some lawless
tribes levied black-mail, on the caravan, which was then permitted to
proceed, though in doubt and alarm, until it arrived under the
long-expected protection of Sheikh En-Noor, one of the great chiefs of
the Kailouee tribes, at his town, or rather encampment, of Tintalous.
Mr. Richardson's residence at this place was long and tedious. He
suffered, besides, from the extortionate disposition of the Sheikh or
Sultan, who, however, after considerable exactions, became his friend.
This Saharan character is brought out by a succession of amusing
touches.
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