That the men might be bound to
us by the tie of hospitality, I presented them with some hamsa, to which
En-Noor added a little zumeetah, and we determined at all hazards to
give our camels and ourselves rest. Our people, in fact, soon discovered
that the Tuaricks had brought nothing with them but a single skin of
water. They pretend they are going to see their friends and relations in
Aheer, and wish to accompany us, which our people have politely
declined. But I must see the end of them before I set down an opinion.
I wrote up my journal to-day, and am in good health. My spirits are a
little soured, nay, exasperated into activity by these constant
troubles. It is very hot now. I have hit upon a happy contrivance for
keeping out the sun from my tent. I lay my carpet on the sandy floor of
my tent, and with my table and the frame of my bed I make a wooden
covering over. On the top I place my mattress and thick blankets, I then
lay myself down underneath; and am perfectly protected from the sun
above, whilst the cool breeze enters at the bottom of the tent. There
is, then, not a person in the caravan who suffers so little from the
heat as I do, I recommend the plan to travellers.
These last four days we have made immense progress towards Aheer--I
mean, its inhabited districts.
Wednesday 12-1/2 hours 31 miles.
Thursday 13 " 32-1/2 "
Friday 14 " 35 "
Friday night to Saturday morning 9 " 22-1/2 "
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At 2-1/2 miles an hour 121 miles.
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