Chap. LXXI. COOTIOTED DISAPPOmTMEKT. 
89 
no inhabitants were now left. The sheikho A'hmedu, 
after having collected an expedition against the 
Tregendten, had changed his plans, in order to 
march against the mountain stronghold of Konna ; 
but, as we afterwards heard, he was repulsed by the 
natives, the Saro, who, relying upon their strong posi- 
tion, defended themselves with great valour. 
Meanwhile, the salt, the staple produce of Tim- 
buktu, gradually became dearer, the large " rds " 
fetching now 8800 shells ; for, as I have stated, the 
price constantly increases, caravans not being enabled 
to visit the place during the following months, till the 
end of April, on account of the large blood-flies in - 
festing the river. A small caravan containing from 
forty to fifty camels, which arrived on the 28th, was 
one of the latest that came into the town. 
Thus ended the month of January, with utter 
disappointment at the failure of my expected de- 
parture, and with nothing but empty promises. After 
a sleepless night, I awoke on the 1st of February 
full of anxiety. I felt really afraid lest my host, 
notwithstanding his friendly disposition towards me, 
might keep me here the whole summer. At length 
I eased my mind in a slight degree by writing a letter 
to the Sheikh, wherein I made him a witness against 
himself, in having so repeatedly given me his word, 
that I should certainly leave this city and proceed on 
my home journey. But matters, indeed, now looked 
more serious, another Piillo officer of well-known 
energy, viz. A'tkar, the governor of Giindam and 
D 4 
