South-westward of the valley of Aussa are the independent Adaiel tribes Hurruk Bodaito, over whom presides Gobuz Elincha, a powerful chieftain, who has espoused Leni, daughter of Birru Lubo, the Prince of Argobba, and through whose territories lies the high caravan route to Dowwe, with which the traffic is considerable. On the north, the Mudaito are bounded by the distinct nation styled Hirto, under the rule of Yingool Ali--Mohammadans, deriving their origin from the Arab invaders of the seventh century, and speaking a language not very dissimilar from the Adaiel, who claim the same descent. Aussa is still the abode of all the Uleemas, Aukal, and learned doctors, for whom the Mudaito have ever been renowned, but the present government is singularly constituted. The aged Sultan Humferi, son of Yoosuf Ali ibn Ajdahis, has retained with his high-sounding title the mere shadow of authority, which is in truth vested in Mohammad Ali, the vicegerent of the Debenik-Woema, appointed by general suffrage from Tajura. Residing at Kulloo, and ruling with an iron hand, he admits of little interference; and, in all cases where disputes between the "red" and "white" houses of the proprietors of the soil and their invaders, terminate fatally to the latter, takes two lives for one, according to the immemorial observance in blood feuds. Ameer Sulaam, the Wuzir of the Mudaito, is head of all the sages, and he is aided in the administration of justice by Hurrur Hassan, Teeoh, and Berbera or "Pepper" Ali, the latter so styled from the volubility of his sarcastic tongue. This triumvirate of venerable sheikhs, whose wisdom and learning is reputed to be _kum el bahr_, "profound as the sea," is referred to on all occasions where knotty points are at issue, whether amongst the Ado-himera or Mudaito; and even the Sultan of Tajura was on a late occasion held bound to abide by their arbitration, relative to the projected marriage of his son to a bride from another clan of the "white house," a measure which was resisted, and which he was desirous of enforcing. Yet a transit duty of fifty per cent, is levied by Mohammad ibn Mohammad upon all exports made by the Mudaito, whereas ten per cent, only is exacted from the numerous Danakil tribes. "A large Arab force from Zeyla," observed Ibrahim Shehem Abli, who was well versed in the chronicles of Aussa, "was induced to join the Debenik-Woema in their invasion of the predatory Mudaito hordes; and overtures of capitulation having been made by Yoosuf Ali ibn Ajdahis, they were thrown off their guard. During the night the Woema, who knew with what villains they had to deal, bivouacked upon the heights of Dugodlee and Hy Tunkoma, where they rested safely enough. But the blockheads of Arabs choosing to sleep in the plain, the garrison took advantage of their folly to make a _goom_: and so cleverly was it managed, that by Allah! they succeeded in drawing their creeses across the throats of all save one."