Being once fairly embarked in the canoe with six slaves, good swimmers, it would be preferable to proceed onward during the night on account of the wandering tribes of Tooariks and others. But even if they were met during the day time, they might be got rid of with a few presents. This course, prudently and cautiously followed, would, I doubt not, be attended with complete success, and it appears to me preferable to the plan of sending numerous expeditions, which would rouse the cupidity and distrust of the natives. The rapid passage of the little canoe would render the voyage infinitely less fatiguing and dangerous than if performed in a large vessel. Sidi-Abdallahi informed me that Haoussa was only a twenty days’ passage from Timbuctoo, descending the river; but in a small canoe the passage might be accomplished in twelve days, and then the mouth of the river might be speedily reached, especially if it empties itself into the Ocean. This plan, I am convinced, would be far less dangerous than that of starting from the gulf of Benin, where great difficulties would always be experienced in ascending, both on account of the climate and the inhabitants. CHAPTER XXII. Departure from Timbuctoo on the 4th of May, 1828 — Caravanof six hundred camels — Entrance of the desert — Suffocating heat — The caravan falls in with the Tooariks — Manner in which the arabs direct their course in the desert — Aspect of Sahara, like the bed of a sea without water — Details respecting the caravans — The place where Major Laing was assassinated — El-Arawan, a city in the desert; its springs, population, and trade — Information respecting Tawât and Wâlet — Caravan of four hundred camels — Disheartening effect of the view of endless sands.