THE "CITIES" OF KUFARA 221 



to a slave, who brought a casket not much bigger than 

 the keJ^ This was placed solemnly in the circle of light 

 on the dark-piled carpets and in the almost tangible 

 silence that seemed to reign within that house, Sidi 

 Saleh reverently drew forth a single sheet of rough quarto 

 paper, three-quarters of which was covered with minute, 

 old-fashioned Arabic. I give the literal translation in 

 the appendix because the letter is of historical importance 

 as it announces the Senussi's intention of accepting the 

 allegiance of the Zouias, of coming to Kufara with the 

 tacit understanding that his rule would be accepted so 

 far south of Wajanga. It was an exceedingly interesting 

 document and one fully appreciated its value in the 

 exotic house of Sidi el Abed in the middle of the legendary 

 oasis. 



