_--In the morning we wished to start at once, and get away from
this scene of our second disaster; but we had to stay to select the
goods which were to pay for our lives, liberties, and consciences.
However, we at length got off; and whilst the bandits were swearing, and
griping one another by the throat, and fighting over the booty, we
pushed hastily on towards Seloufeeat, which, according to our Tanelkums,
is really the first country of Asben. As we entered the valley our
people kept up a running fire, to alarm any one who might feel disposed
to attack us. We had been so much accustomed to inhospitality and
robbers of late, that we confidently expected further difficulties as
soon as we met with the inhabitants.
After a march of four hours we arrived, and encamped in the
neighbourhood of Seloufeeat. The valley has quite a Soudan appearance,
but solely on account of the presence of the doom palm. There are,
however, a considerable number of other trees, particularly the souak,
the branches of which are eaten voraciously by our camels. It has
beautiful green foliage, and is very bushy and spreading. Wheat, and
ghaseb, and other grain are grown in the valley, where there is
abundance of good water. The wells are like those of Ghadamez,--that is
to say, an upright beam with a long cross-pole, having a stone at one
end and a rope and bucket at the other, serves to bring up the water.
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