Chaf. XXII. VISIT TO TASA'WA. 
19 
further measures were taken with regard to our recent 
losses we ought to stay in B6rnu, was a mere sham 
and fabrication) declared that he would not force us 
to do anything against our inclination, but that we 
ought to decide ourselves what was best to be done. 
Having, therefore, a double reason for going to 
Tasawa, I set out as early as possible, accompanied 
by my faithless, wanton Tunisian shushan, and by my 
faithful, sedate Tagelali overseer. The path leading 
through the suburbs of Gozenakko was well fenced, 
in order to prevent any violation of property ; but 
on the western side of the village there was scarcely 
any cultivated ground, and we soon entered upon 
a wilderness where the " diimmia" and the "karasa" 
were the principal plants, when, after a march of a 
little more than three miles, the wild thicket again 
gave way to cultivated fields, and the town of Tasawa 
appeared in the distance — or rather (as is generally 
the case in these countries, where the dwellings are so 
low, and where almost all the trees round the towns 
are cut down, for stratagetical as well as economical 
reasons) the fine shady trees in the interior of the 
town were seen, which make it a very cheerful place. 
After two miles more we reached the suburbs, and, 
crossing them, kept along the outer ditch which runs 
round the stockade of the town, in order to reach Al 
Wali's house, under whose special protection I knew 
that Mr. Overweg had placed himself. 
My friend's quarters, into which we were shown, 
were very comfortable, although rather narrow. They 
c 2 
