Chap. LXVIII. 
THE CAMP. 
465 
seen, I could believe my noble friend possessed. How- 
ever, he entertained no doubt at that time that Alkiit- 
tabu, the great chief of the Tawarek himself, would 
come to his aid without delay and conduct me, 
under his powerful protection, safely along the banks 
of the Niger. 
However exaggerated the projects of my protector 
were, considering his mild disposition, and although 
by exasperating the Fulbe more and more he no doubt 
increased the difficulties of my situation, the moving 
of his encampment outside the town afforded me a 
great deal of relief, both in consequence of the change 
of air which it procured me, and of the varied scenery. 
I could also get here a little exercise, although the 
more open the country was, the greater care I had 
to take of my safety. In the morning, particularly, 
the camp presented a very animated sight. The two 
large white tents of cotton cloth, with their top-cover- 
ing, or " saramme," of chequered design, and their 
woollen curtains of various colours, were half opened 
to allow the morning air to pervade them. The other 
smaller ones were grouped picturesquely around on 
the slope, which was enlivened by camels, cattle, and 
goats, that were just being driven out. All nature was 
awake and full of bustle, and the trees were swarming 
with white pigeons. In the evening, again, there were 
the cattle returning from their pasturage, the slaves 
bringing water on the backs of the asses, and the 
people grouped together in the simple place of devo- 
tion, laid out with thorny bushes, in order to say 
VOL. IV. H H 
