but the Tanelkums, who go slowly, make thirteen days between this and
Aroukeen. They go direct, as we intended to do, without touching at
Ghât. Our movements are not exactly free, but we must not seem to notice
this circumstance; and if they insist on our taking the route by the
capital, in order to have an opportunity of increased plunder, must give
in with as good grace as possible.

The 2d and 3d of July we stopped at Ailouah. Hateetah came to my tent
the first day with a long face, and said, as I foresaw, that we must all
go to Ghât, and abide the pleasure of the Tuaricks; also that we must
wait for the return of a caravan from Aheer. I protested against this
latter pretence, and he got up and went off in a pet. Next morning I
sent word to his tent that I could not stay at Ghât an indefinite
period; that my means would not allow me; and, therefore, that we must
still protest against this arrangement. He answered, that he would
assemble all the notables of Ghât and ask their counsel. To this I could
have no objection, and we are friends again. But I keep as far from the
Tuaricks as I can, and do not visit them. I find this to be the best
policy. We feed them every night, and they are apparently contented. The
weather continues cool, the wind being always partly from the north.

Many birds, crows and others, pretty large, were seen about the wells of
Ailouah; and a rival sportsman to Dr. Overweg appeared in the person of
Mohammed et-Tunisee. He shot three small fowls of Carthage, one of which
he gave me, I promising him a little powder in return when we came to
Ghât. We noticed a small black bird with a white throat. But all through
this desert we listen in vain for some songster. There is no reason for
merriment in these dismal solitudes.

Our people have dug a well, which the Tanelkums promise to call "Bir