In the course of this march we met another portion of the large Soudan
caravan, and consigned to it our letters. They brought the news that the
Tanelkums were a day only in advance, having halted to take up water at
Aroukeen, where they dug again the old well which had been blocked with
stones.
This caravan informed us, besides, that the body of the large caravan
was resting at the well of Tajetterat. They had seen no Tuaricks. We
begin to hope that we have been disturbed by false alarms.
At about four hours from the encampment of yesterday we descried some
mountains to the south-west. Near them is the well of Janet, said to be
about seven hours out of the line of route. It is a frequent resort of
Tuaricks, who come to the neighbourhood for hunting purposes. All this
region is favourable to sport. Along our route to-day were noticed
footmarks of wild oxen and wadan.
Wataitee asked me whether he should go to see if there were any Tuaricks
at Janet, to get news of them; but I told him that he had better
continue with us until we reach Tajetterat. This he has agreed to do;
and we all feel that his presence is, to a certain extent, a protection.
In the evening we had a visit from three Tuarick sportsmen, with a
couple of dogs. We purchased two carcases of wadan from them. It would
have been most amusing to an untravelled European to witness the
bartering between us.
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