However,
whatever we had given we should have had the same results, and we must
expect similar quarrels all through Africa until our journey's end. I
observed, at last, that many took their portions and retired, and I felt
confident that all would finish without violence being done us.
When I had been in bed two hours, half-sleeping and half-waking, I
turned round my head, and saw my tent full of people. I had not heard
them come in. They were the Germans, Yusuf, Mohammed Tunisee, and other
people. They were all busy examining the scattered contents of a bale of
goods. I asked what was the matter, and was told briefly that some of
the _canaille_ of our escort had carried away a bale of Dr. Barth's
goods, but that the chief had made them restore the greater part of the
spoil. In the first moments I could not help laughing. It was certainly
comical to be robbed by one's own escort. We had now thirty-one
chaouches for two whom we obtained in Tripoli. On this I went to sleep.
_3d._--Early in the morning Mohammed En-Noor paid me a visit, and
promised me that all the things should be restored--not the smallest
thing should be lost.
I looked about, and saw that the greater number of our escort had
disappeared during the night, and gone to their homes. We now commenced
our last stage to Tintalous. Mounted on my camel, I could not help
reflecting that we were tormented to the very doors of the dwelling of
En-Noor, that the people seemed determined we should have no rest till
we arrived there.
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