that although these people are only armed with matchlocks, and are
supposed to be ready for service, either to defend the country or levy
contributions, they seem entirely destitute of all necessary provisions
for that purpose.

We were pestered with two very modest requests, which were not in our
power to grant. In the first place, the native inhabitants sent a
deputation to ask us to use our influence with the Governor of Mourzuk
to procure a reduction of their taxes; and then the Arab troops desired
that we should procure for them their discharge. Our refusal even to
take the charge of these verbal petitions seemed very harsh. An
impression had evidently got abroad that we came to bring about a
general redress of grievances; or, at any rate, that our influence was
far greater than we chose to avow.

I gave to the Kaïd a handkerchief, as well as some snuff and tobacco. In
return, he sent a little bread and a fly-flapper; so that we parted good
friends. During our stay, we heard this jolly fellow entertaining the
chaouches and his own horsemen with a description of the ladies of the
Wady, who had no reason to be flattered by his account. And yet he seems
to have married one himself: _hinc illæ lachrymæ_, perhaps. My chaouch
had already given me a confirmation of these libels, and was evidently
greatly delighted by this testimony to his exactitude.

There are several roads from the Wady to Mourzuk, all much about the
same distance. It is said, also, that Ghât is only ten days from
Laghareefah. We moved on a little further on the evening of the 4th, but
did not start properly until next day, when we made a long stretch of
more than thirteen hours, and encamped at the village of Agar, where I
remembered having halted once before on my way from Ghât. During this