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Discussing these questions, we pushed on through a very arid country, searching for one of those two blessings, which seem to be always separated in this part of the desert, water and herbage. We had found the former at Aisou; the latter greeted us in plenty at a place called Takeesat, where we encamped, intending to pass the night and the whole of next day.
News of Sidi Jafel Disputes with Wataitee His violent Conduct and strange Language The Desert Scarcity of Money Proceed through a rocky Country Soudan Weather Approach the Frontiers of Aheer Storm Hard Day's Travelling The Seven Wells of Aisou "The Haghar are coming" Suspicious Characters Alarm The Three Strangers Our Hospitality Heat of the Weather Hard Travelling Account of the Kailouee Guides Women of the Caravan Their Treatment Youthful Concubines Another long Day A Rock-Altar Demonstrations of the Haghar Wells of Jeenanee Marks of Rain Sprightly Blacks New Climate Change in the Vegetation and the Atmosphere.
When the tumult was a little calmed, I learned that two of our people, who had remained behind a short time at the wells of Aisou, saw a Tuarick coming up to the place, and, two others slowly following, all three mounted on tall maharees. They spoke to the one who arrived first, and inquired if many were behind. To this they received a laconic answer, "Yes."
It was an immense present for them, and they were all greatly rejoiced at the gift. It is extremely difficult for people to obtain powder and shot in these countries. We made a line of barricades with the boat. Amongst our defenders appeared the three Azgher Tuaricks, who followed us from Tajetterat, and overtook us above the well of Aisou.
Serious news has just come in from the northern frontier. It appears that the Azgher who followed us all the way from Aisou to Aheer, secretly exciting the people against us, have joined with the Kailouee borderers in an attack upon a small Tibboo caravan. Two of the merchants have been killed, and thirty-five slaves stolen and carried away over the desert, in the direction of Tuat.
Amongst the rest, a tax to see the Kasar Janoon; fifty dollars for drinking of the well of Esalan, &c. &c. These matters being at length settled, we proceeded for Aisou, and journeyed a long day of twelve hours and a-half. I was looking out every moment, expecting to clear the rocks, and enter upon the immeasurable stretch of plain reported to us.
There is a route which leads direct to Tuat from Taghajeet, and also another from Aisou to Tuat. With regard to the marabouts, they seem quiet enough. It would appear there is an enormous fellow amongst them, who every year, during one night, flies to Mekka and back again. The marabouts of all countries pretend to find events written plainly, or shadowed forth, in their books.
The country was nearly similar to that between Falezlez and Aisou; plains or slightly indented valleys. The granite appeared again, with sandstone on the top. No herbage was found to-day, except a few scanty bits here and there. In the morning our blacks all ran up to a sugar-loaf shaped rock, which they called their altar or temple, Jama.
In two hours, however, the Kailouees came and told us that there was no more water in the skins; that the camels were restless, knowing that a well was ahead; and that it was better to move on at once, and make for the well of Aisou, that marks the commencement of the Aheer territory.
We were early in motion this day; and started, cheered by the hope held out to us, that at the termination of two long marches we should at length reach, at the Seven Wells of Aisou, the frontiers of Aheer. It is true that we were promised no town, no village, not even visible landmarks; above all, no custom-house officers to suggest the blessings of civilisation.
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