Their clothing is poor, without any attempt
at finery; but when they have prepared the food of their masters they
take their shares freely. They walk well on the road when necessary, and
being light and slightly made, do not appear to suffer from fatigue.
As a rule, all these women are modest and decorous in behaviour, and are
treated with considerable respect. No master interferes with the slaves
of another, and most of them are permitted in their turn to ride. A poor
creature belonging to a Tuatee, however, is forced always to trudge on
foot, although its master often takes a lift himself. Two of the women
have infants in their arms--little things, as knowing, to all
appearance, as those that can run. These mothers, with their children,
are treated with great tenderness and care.
Some of the merchants had as many as three female slaves a-piece; but it
is to be observed, that they are mere girls. The Africans who can afford
to indulge their tastes, abhor women of any age. All their slaves are of
tender years. The older these gentlemen get, the younger they require
their concubines to be. An aged sinner of Aghadez had a mere child with
him. En-Noor is said to have half-a-dozen stout girls running about his
house. Really, to satisfy the passions and sensuality of these Africans,
women should be like the houris of Paradise, and never grow old. Those
that accompanied us were, of course, regarded as mistresses, but were
required also to do nearly all the drudgery of the caravan.
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