BAD WATER. 209 



face of one of the precipitous cliffs which bounded 

 the stream. In this narrow valley we passed 

 several watering-places, where I would gladly have 

 drank, but that every pool was occupied by two or 

 three dirty Dankalli, who were busily washing and 

 bathing themselves in the cool and refreshing 

 water. No observation was made by our party at 

 this pollution, for as there was here an extensive 

 supply, my companions thought there was as much 

 room for them, as for the numerous camels which 

 now came up, and made their way into it, not so 

 much to satisfy thirst, as to enjoy the walk through 

 the water, and which they soon rendered a very thick 

 solution of mud. This, however, was not undrink- 

 able, as I found when, after a tiresome march over 

 the stone-covered plain of Arabderah for at least 

 three hours, we came to our halting-ground, and 

 found all the pools dried up, so that the few skins 

 which had been tilled at Gobard and at this place 

 were our only supply for the day, and for the 

 first time during the journey, was I put upon 

 an allowance of one saucepanful, which I had to 

 divide with a number of thirsty companions. 



During this march I became great friends with 

 the Debenee Chief. Upon my giving a small paper 

 packet, containing needles, to one of the Bedouins, 

 in exchange for a dried goat-skin, Zaido asked me 

 to purchase, to place under the saddle of my mule, 

 Lohitu took the packet from the man, and opening 

 it, looked at me with surprise for having paid such 



VOL. i. p 



