However, knowing he had
gone on before, my fears were awakened when we reached the fork; and I
immediately fired several guns, and ordered a search to be commenced.
The guns not only served as guides to Dr. Barth, but introduced us to
the Kailouees, who were close at hand, and came running to meet us.
Their appearance, for I scarcely know what reason, sent a thrill of joy
through our frames; and the weariness and discouragement we had brought
with us from Ghat disappeared. We entertained great hopes of these new
companions. The first impression they produced was good; for they
greeted us most cheerfully, and began helping to unload the camels. They
have several female slaves with them, and muster in all some twenty
persons and about thirty camels; so that, altogether, we shall form a
very respectable caravan.
We rose early on the 27th, and starting at half-past six, continued
moving until noon, when we encamped in a valley a little before the
water of Akourou, where there is herbage for the camels in a hollow
amidst rocky sandstone hills. The scenery of this part of the desert
continues to be very varied. The range of lofty marl hills, over which
the sun rises for Ghat, is still seen stretching northwards and
southwards. Animals feed about here and there; some quails whirr along
the ground; black vultures, white eagles, and numerous crows, perch upon
the rocks, or speckle the sky overhead.
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