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THE MARAUDERS OF THE SAHARA. 



children of the desert. In the same year their ambassadors attracted 

 the curiosity of ever- curious Paris. They are the despots, the tyrants 

 of the southern Sahara. The charge of their lean flocks is their leavst 

 occupation. They are, it is true, skilful and enthusiastic hunters ; 

 but their veritable industry is the exploration of the desert : an 

 exploration which changes in form according to circumstances. For 



ATTACK UPON A Q'SOUR. 



a proper remuneration they undertake the guidance and protection of 

 the caravans ; but whoever has not purchased their safeguard they 

 treat as an enemy, and if not adequately ransomed sell into slavery. 

 The Berbers of the oasis not unjustly regard these marauders with 

 alarm. For they pitilessly exact from the peaceful cultivator a share 

 of his harvest, which is always the lion's share ; the right of the 



