[18] This
wrapper, which serves as a shawl, is not unlike, in effect, the black
veil worn by the Maltese women. The lady we saw at En-Noor's wore a
profusion of necklaces, armlets, and anklets of metal, wood, and horn.
She gazed about for some time and then went her way. After asking and
receiving permission to hoist the British flag over the tents, and to
fire a salute, we imitated her example. This is my first success in
diplomacy! On returning, we prepared for our evening's festivities, but
the tempest assailing us we waited till fairer weather.
[18] Answering to the gown and head-veil of the
fellahs.--Ed.
At five in the evening we hoisted the British flag, and fired no less
than a hundred musket discharges. I do not recollect that this ceremony
was ever before performed in the desert, in Bornou or Soudan, although
the union-jack certainly now flies at Mourzuk and Ghadamez, on the roofs
of the consular houses.
Now I pray God that our great troubles may be over in Aheer--little
troubles we must always encounter, and bear with fortitude. Our servants
and friends are much rejoiced at our success with En-Noor, and they
promise me farther success in Soudan and Bornou. Alas! God alone knows
what is reserved for us; but we must not despair after these, events of
Aheer. At first all was black, without one solitary ray of light; now,
all the Sultans of Aheer are determined they say, conjointly, to afford
us protection: whilst the people are showing themselves more friendly
every day.
Pages:
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337