Throughout their journey with
us they were at all times polite, and at last even became quite amiable.
During the two affairs which we had with the robbers, their conduct was
regular and brave: once or twice only they seemed to waver. But
probably, had their own interests been imminently exposed, they would
have abandoned us to save themselves, at which we should not have been
surprised. Had there been a regular battle, in which they had taken
part, the road would certainly have been closed to them ever afterwards.
Like all Tuaricks, these Tanelkums are great beggars, and such of them
as were with us allowed no opportunity to escape of getting something
out of us. They are always accompanied by a few Haghars or Azghers. In
features they are for the most part European; a few only are marked by
negro characters; but nearly all are very dark in complexion. They are
generally good-looking, tall, and slightly made. Their manners are quite
Tuarick, and they speak a regular Tuarick dialect. They also speak a
little Arabic, and understand the Hausa. As to religion, they are very
devout and superstitious, and remain long at their prayers.
The huckster-women of the town continue to visit us, bringing their
small wares. Many of them have their faces painted very picturesquely
with green and yellow. They are mere negroes in features. These women
bring very small quantities of the dark-brown rice of Soudan, with
ghaseb, onions, and other little things.
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