United States or Burkina Faso ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Went out this morning to have a commanding view of the oasis. Was accompanied by the uncle of Jabour, who took hold of my hand, and pulled me on, when we mounted the neighbouring piece of rock which commands the oasis and scenery around. From this block of mountain, north of the city, we had a beautiful view of the town, the oasis, and adjoining palms, and all the Desert of the Valley of Ghat.
During the succeeding night, I slept scarcely a wink. I made the messenger of Jabour sleep close by my mattress, and unsheathing Said's old rusty sword, laid it beside me, determining "to die game," or put a good face upon the matter. At any rate, I thought an Englishman could not, however he might trust the good faith of these people, die like an unresisting coward.
As we neared the well, I was greatly rejoiced at the arrival of two slaves, one of which had been dispatched by the Sheikh Jabour from Ghat, to tell me, "I was to come with all confidence to Ghat, to fear nothing; no Touarghee should say an untoward word to me." I augured well of all things on the receipt of such news. Our people were as pleased as myself on the arrival of Jabour's slave.
But Jabour knows him, and enjoys his friendship and confidence. The road from Ghat to Timbuctoo, through Bassa's territory, is extremely short. It is stony, through high mountains, and intensely cold. Springs of water abound there." Such are the ideas and opinions of the Shereef on the Touaricks.
Affecting Case of the cruelty of one Slave to another, and compared to the Jews of Morocco. Chorus Singing of the Slaves. Mode in which Ostriches are Hunted. Arrival of Senna and Ivory from Aheer. Christians are not Liars. Farewell Visit from Jabour. Quick Route to Timbuctoo from Ghat. Kandarka turns Comedian, and satirizes the Touaricks of Ghat. Mercantile Transactions of the Governor.
Jabour, the Marabout, is a wise, upright, and amiable prince. His influence extends beyond the Ghat Touaricks. Jabour told me himself, he had several people subject to his authority, extending as far as Timbuctoo. To these, the Prince promised to commit me in case I determined to make a journey to Timbuctoo.
My visitors now took leave of me, Jabour shaking hands with me, and saying, Mā-tăhāfsh, "don't fear." And amongst the rest, the son of Ouweek! who is a young harmless fellow, and said his father would never hurt a great Christian like me. He begged hard for a piece of sugar, which I gave him. He asked me if his father was coming to Ghat.
At a loss which Route to take, and how to proceed. Superstitions connected with the Butcher. Zeal of an old Hag against The Christian. Out of Humour. Reported departure of Caravans. Jabour calls with a Patient. Visit Bel Kasem, and find Khanouhen. Political Factions of Azgher Touaricks. Giants in The Desert. Fanciful analogies of origin of Peoples. Hierarchy of the Sheikhs.
Mohammed Ben Jabour, Marabout Sheikh. Berka Ben Entăshāf, the most aged of the Sheikhs. The Sheikh of gigantic stature . Hateetah Ben Khouden, the "friend" of the English. I found the strongest demonstrations of rivalry, and the bitterest feelings of faction, in the conduct of these several princes of The Desert, who are the personages of influence and authority amongst the Ghat Touaricks.
As soon as Jabour left, Hateetah came in, but in a very different mood. Somebody had told him I had given the razor to Jabour, and he was also annoyed at seeing the present from Jabour, of whom he is, as of all the other Sheikhs, very jealous. Hateetah now vented his rage against Haj Ibrahim, for only giving him a turban-band.
Word Of The Day