There is left for us but a firm reliance in His
goodness and protecting providence.
_16th._--This was a warm, hazy day, and we were troubled with
considerable languor. I have slept but little these three nights, and
feel somewhat indisposed for want of rest. I read a good deal of
Clapperton's "Journey to Sakkatou," besides beginning a vocabulary of
the Kailouee language, with the assistance of Mokhlah Bou Yeldee, who is
a very clever young man. He gets his living by writing charms, and sells
a good number for the cure of disease. People pour water on the ink or
writing of the charm, and then drink the magic liquid. The remedy is
doubtless as effectual as many patent medicines in Europe. As is well
known, this superstition of drinking the Koran is of old date.
En-Noor sent a message this morning by the slave of Makersee, that we
were not to say a single word to any one, not even to our servants,
about the money, or its amount, which we have paid him for our escort to
Zinder. He says, "If the people hear of this money, they will all come
down upon me for a portion; and if I do not comply with their wishes
they will abandon us, and not go with us to Zinder, and I want as many
of them to go with me as possible."
Our wealth is still noised abroad! The people believe all our boxes to
be full of gold and silver. Even En-Noor sought for secret information
respecting the amount of dollars which he supposed to be concealed
amongst our baggage.
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