294 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Chat-. LXI. 
ralysed the other, and there is no doubt that the 
present misery was the immediate consequence of 
such a state of anarchy. There was a titular go- 
vernor of the place called I'brahima ; but his mild 
disposition and his advanced age had left him scarcely 
any power at all, and I had to make my peace with 
all parties as well as I could. The most energetic 
and influential amongst the aspirants to power seemed 
to be a relative of the governor, of the name of 
Hamed 'Aisa. Then there was an elder but weaker 
brother of his, of the name of Belko, and, further, a 
man of the name of El JeMdi, who troubled me 
greatly, begging me to write him a charm, by the 
secret influence of which I might procure him the 
government of the place. 
Libtako is situated between many different tribes, 
with the seats of the Tawarek close to the north, 
from whence these restless people are continually 
pushing on ; and this situation necessarily imbues the 
inhabitants with a warlike spirit. In former times, 
especially, they were renowned for their valour, and 
distinguished, moreover, by the breed of their horses, 
but at the present moment, owing to the severe drought 
which had prevailed for so long a time, all the horses 
had been sent to a great distance, where they were 
likely to find better pastures. At present, there being 
so many factions and no strong government what- 
ever, and the supremacy exercised by their liege lord 
in Gando being a perfect nullity, no certain line of 
policy can be pursued, and they are one day on good 
