138 
TRAVELS IN THE 
CHAPTER XI. 
Occurrences at the Camp continued. — Information collected hy the 
Author, concerning Houssa and Tombuctoo; atid the Situation 
of the latter. — The Route described from Morocco to Benowm. 
— The Author's Distress from Hunger. — Ali removes his Camp 
to the Northward. — The Author is carried Prisoner to the 
new Encampment, and is prese?ited to Qiieen Fatima. — Great 
Distress from the Want of Water. 
One whole month had now elapsed since I was led into cap- 
tivity ; during which time, each returning day brought me 
fresh distresses. I watched the lingering course of the sun with 
anxiety, and blessed his evening beams as they shed a yellow 
lustre along the sandy floor of my hut ; for it was then that my 
oppressors left me, and allowed me to pass the sultry night in 
solitude and reflection. 
About midnight, a bowl of kouskous with some salt and water 
was brought for me and my two attendants ; this was our com- 
mon fare, and it was all that was allowed us, to allay the cravings 
of hunger, and support nature for the whole of the following 
day : for it is to be observed, that this was the Mahomedan Lent ; 
and as the Moors keep the fast with a religious strictness, they 
thought it proper to compel me, though a Christain, to a similar 
observance. Time, however, somewhat reconciled me to my 
