This circumstance tranquillised us. We
had been anxiously expecting news from En-Noor. The people always speak
of maharees, and not of mounted men; so that twenty maharees are twenty
men mounted on maharees. It rained this evening and during the night:
everything was damp around us. We now begin to feel, indeed, that we are
in a humid atmosphere.
_31st._--I rose early, but it rained hard, and everybody kept within
tent. I am much delighted with my double Bornou tent, for, although it
is nothing but a species of gauze cotton-work, it still keeps out the
rain.
We are collecting the names and qualities of the chief among our
assailants, as we shall have to make a formal complaint against them,
not only in order to obtain restitution for our goods, but for the sake
of any future travellers. The people who first attacked us are called
El-Fadeea, or El-Fadayan, and are styled by Yusuf _Arab_ Tuaricks, or
Tuaricks living in tents. This tribe was joined by bandits and a few
adventurers from all the surrounding districts.
The people of the second attack are called Aghazar: these are also Arab
Tuaricks, or people living in tents. They were joined by people from
Seloufeeat, Tintaghoda, and all the neighbouring places.
The people appear to have gathered all confusedly together, headed by
their chiefs and countenanced by the marabouts, to destroy the Infidels
who were come to pollute their country; but, undoubtedly, the major part
were excited against us by the hope of plunder.
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