I find that our servants are to-day in better spirits, because we have
got a supply of provisions. I repeat again, that the Germans and myself
enjoy tolerably good health, but none of us can be said to be in a state
of robust bodily vigour.
This portion of the landscape of Aheer, if I may use the term landscape,
does not differ materially from the first which we entered. The rocks
are all granite, and of one colour.
The greater part of the trees are tholukh and souak. The hasheesh
consists chiefly of the _bou rekabah_.
In the valley I observe a fine old specimen of the Soudan tree, called,
in Bornouese, _k[)a]raghou_. The little black-and-white bird which has
followed us all through the desert from Mourzuk still appears here, and
sings a little.
It is difficult to describe the state of mind in which I write down all
these things. Here we are helplessly encamped, our camels driven away,
and no signs of their return. Certainly En-Noor sends us promises that
he will do what he can for us; but though we do not doubt his goodwill
we begin to be uncertain of his power. He is still suffering from
rheumatism and fever, and they tell us he is not able to receive
strangers. Let us hope that this seclusion bodes no ill to our
interests. Some of his female relations came this morning to ask for
little presents. I gave the mother of Mohammed, who commanded our
escort, a handkerchief.
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