Chap. LXXIV. RETURN OF SERVANTS FROM TOWN. 137 
such an influence over these wild hordes, who are 
continually waging war against each other, merely 
from their supposed sanctity and their purity of 
manners. 
The interesting character of the locality did not 
suffice, however, for our material welfare, and my 
companions made serious complaints on account of 
the scanty supply of food which they received from 
our hosts ; and for this reason they were almost as 
eager to hear some news of the Sheikh as I myself. 
From our former encampment in Ernesse, I had 
sent my servant, Mohammed el Gatroni, into the 
town in order to procure me a supply of the most 
necessary provisions, as my former stock was en- 
tirely consumed; and it was fortunate, on this ac- 
count, that I had saved 5000 shells, which I was 
able to give him for this purpose. He now joined us 
again in this place on the 14th, and, of course, every 
one hastened to learn what news he had brought 
from the town and from the camp of the Sheikh. He 
had arrived in Timbuktu a little before sunset, and, 
having finished, without delay, his purchases of the 
articles wanted by me, immediately hurried away to 
the camp of my protector ; for, as soon as the news 
of the arrival of my servant had got abroad in the 
town in conjunction with the return of the Sheikh to 
his camp, the utmost excitement prevailed amongst 
the townspeople, who fancied that I myself was re- 
turning, and, in consequence, the alarm drum was 
beaten. My servant also informed me that the Ta- 
