154 OWSSA KAFILAH. 



whom I noticed Ohmed Medina, added each a 

 tribute of green leaves, and repeated a short 

 prayer near to it. 



A Kafilah of donkeys laden with salt, going to 

 Owssa, came up with us this day, and although the 

 marshy lake before us seemed to lie direct in their 

 way, they would not halt, but taking a long circuit 

 around its border, went on their way, thus avoided 

 any chance of collision with any individuals of our 

 party, which appears is always to be expected on 

 occasions of two Kafilahs coming together, and the 

 greatest caution marks the conduct of people who 

 thus happen to meet. This cautious suspicion of 

 intention is also the sole cause of the great polite- 

 ness, which, it cannot help being observed, marks all 

 their intercourse with each other. One of the last 

 traits I should have expected to find amongst a 

 people so lawless, and otherwise so savage in their 

 manners and customs. 



We rested here the whole day. Zaido having 

 been sent back to the last halting-place, on some 

 errand, by Ohmed Mahomed, returned in a very 

 short time running at the top of his speed, with, 

 out spear or shield, and panting with excitement 

 and fear, as he came in. All our people turned out 

 from under the trees with their usual impetuous 

 rush to seize spears and shields. Ohmed Medina, 

 Garahmee, and some few others, as they got 

 armed, went with me in the direction of the pur- 

 suing party who came in sight on a distant height, 



