CHAPTEE XVIII 



A FIGHT WITH THE TUBUS 



It was during my journey, which has been described in the 

 previous chapter, that I had the good fortune to witness a 

 fight between the Tubus and the Kachella of Yo. We have 

 had occasion to mention the Tubus before, and shall have to 

 do so once again in a future chapter ; but whenever they 

 appear upon the scene, it is always in connection with some 

 characteristic act of lawlessness and brigandage. 



They are a nomad robber tribe, who live in the French 

 Sahara beyond the River Yo, where they lead a camp life, 

 and their only industry is rearing sheep and cattle, the 

 wool and skins of which they bring to the markets to 

 exchange for corn. No doubt their flocks and herds are 

 raised from the animals they carry off on their raids across 

 the river into Bornu. Also we have seen that they kidnap 

 women and children when they get the chance, and sell them 

 to the Budumas for slaves. 



They are armed with long spears and ride camels and 

 small ponies, on which they are accustomed to travel very 

 great distances, concentrating quickly at the point where a 

 raid has been determined upon, and scattering to disappear 

 as suddenly when they are met by too strong a resistance. 



The Tubus have w^orthy allies in the lawless Mobburs 

 who inhabit the villages along the Bornu side of the river. 



II A 



