consolation in the doctrines of fatalism. He seemed surprised at the
bulk of the despatches last forwarded from the Consulate, and asked if
we all knew how to write. He cannot understand the necessity of minute
directions. We explained as well as we could; and then talked of the
journeys we had respectively performed. This gave Mustapha an
opportunity of astonishing us in his Turkish way. He said that he had
come with 200 men and 300 camels from Tripoli in sixteen days, having
stopped only one day, and travelled regularly from three in the
afternoon to nine next morning. We marvelled, as in duty bound; but
refrained not from making inquiries; the result of which was, that the
real time was thirty-one days, only eight days less than we had
occupied. We did not scold Mustapha for his exaggeration, but might
perhaps have done so without offence. When a Turk does tell a lie, he
submits to be accused of it with good-humour.

After leaving the hyperbolical Governor, we went to see Sheikh Mohammed
Boro, Sakontaroua of Aghadez, who has arrived here _en route_ from
Mekka. He was recommended to us by Hassan Pasha of Tripoli; but Mr.
Gagliuffi does not think much of him. We shall see.

_14th._--Walked in the gardens, and were pleased with their aspect. On
returning, I wrote out the different kinds of dates in this country. We
saw some Egyptian camels with a pilgrim caravan, of a dark and almost
black colour.

My Fezzanee marabout, by the way, has left Mourzuk, after making me a
present of some cakes and dates of dainty quality. He has been of great
use to me, and I shall remember him with pleasure.

I had to-day a conversation with a Tibboo of Tibesty. How interesting it