_9th._--The wind of this fine cool morning prevented a visit from En-Noor. That he might not be disappointed, however, I sent him his customary tea; and amused myself by hearing the Sfaxee discourse of that constant subject of conversation, the attack of the Fadeea. According to him, on that occasion great fear was felt by all the caravan. Most of our servants had formed the resolution to abandon us. There were, however, some honourable exceptions; amongst the rest, Saïd, the great mahadee, and another. Yusuf and Mohammed Tunisee proposed the plan, that we three, the Germans, and myself, should be mounted on maharees, and either conveyed back to Aisou or forward to Tintaghoda, during the night. Some of the Kailouees wavered, as well as the Tanelkums; but En-Noor (of our escort) always declared that he would never consent to our being given up. The next morning, two or three of the assailants were very bold, and came and called out in an authoritative tone, that we must be given up. It is curious that, in spite of all the force that was mustered against us, as soon as they saw that we were determined to resist them, they immediately began to parley. The Sfaxee is an immense talker, and great allowance must be made for what he says. In reality, we shall never be able to know the exact truth with respect to this affair. Dr. Overweg confesses that he was terribly alarmed as well he might be. For my part, I was more used to desert dangers, and slept all night. Dr. Barth very kindly refused to allow anybody to awaken me. CHAPTER II. Muslim want of Curiosity--Gossip on Meteors--A Family Broil--Rationale of Wife-beating--Abominable Dances--Evil Communications--Dr. Overweg--Kailouee Vocabulary--Windy Day--Account of Wadaï--Madame En-Noor--Profits of Commerce--The letter _Ghain_--Fellatah Language--Introduction of Islamism--Desert Routes--Trade in Agate Stones--A lively Patient--The Eed--A Visit _en masse_--Arrival of the Boat--Butchers--Exchange of Visits with the Sultan--Diet--A Shereef--A delicate Request--Information on Maradee--Tesaoua--Itinerant Schoolmasters--En-Noor's Territory in Damerghou--Unpleasant Communication--Amulets--The Foundation of a City in the Desert--En-Noor's Political Pretensions.