few years this cluster of wadys may be abandoned to chance Arab
visitors, so that the starting-point for the traverse of the Hamadah
will be removed farther back, perhaps to Mizdah. There is no life in the
civilisation which claims lordship over these countries unfriended by
nature. The only object of those who wield paramount authority over them
seems to be to extract money in the most vexatious and expeditious
manner.

I purchased of the people of Ghareeah a greyhound bitch for four
Tunisian piastres, so that we may now expect some hares and gazelles. In
returning to the encampment I observed the phenomenon of a column of
dust carried into the heavens in a spiral form by the wind, whilst all
around was perfectly calm. Such columns are not of so frequent
occurrence in the desert as is imagined, but from time to time, as in
this instance, are seen.

The evening was spent in making arrangements with Dr. Barth and Dr.
Overweg, who had agreed to traverse the Hamadah by day, whilst I was to
follow by night, with the blacks. Next morning, accordingly, the caravan
separated into two portions, and my companions rode slowly away over the
burning desert.

This important day could not be allowed to pass by my people without a
tremendous quarrel. Our blacks seemed to be in a peculiarly excitable
state. Ali, especially, who has distinguished himself for several days
in the obstreperous line, has had a regular turn-to with his
father-in-law; and not satisfied with this, nearly strangled Moknee's
son. The Mandara black threw himself on the ground and called
out,--"Load my pistol, O Chaouch; I must shoot this reprobate Ali!"