I steadily resist their demands. En-Noor manages to preserve
his dignity by their side. He tells me he will go along with us as far
as Zinder. The Kailouees have some servants with them, very
good-humoured black fellows. Of the Tanelkums I know little; but Haj
Omer, who will accompany us to Kanou, seems a man of courage and tact.
There are two or three venerable old men amongst these Tuaricks,
together with some young ones. They all feel the civilising effect of
visiting Mourzuk. Certainly this people could do much, if they pleased,
for the civilisation of Africa; but at present they are actively engaged
in drawing out of the unfortunate central countries the capital
requisite to maintain even their existence. Of Boro, the sheikh of
Aghadez, I cannot yet venture an opinion. They say, he spoke sharply
against Hateetah and Wataitee.
To return to the Kailouees. I imagine they must resemble all the men we
shall find in the interior, in one respect--the love of women. They are
eloquent in describing the beauties of the cities of Soudan--eloquent, I
mean, in their sensual style, of which I cannot venture to give a
specimen. The Tanelkums, children of the desert, are, like the Haghars,
far less sensual in their imaginations, and indulge less in amorous
conversation. There are some comely women-slaves in the caravan, but
most of them are very plain. They have in general negro features, but a
few are light in complexion.
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