l62 TRAVELS IN THE 
there joined by twelve Moors riding upon camels, and with them 
we proceeded to a watering-place in the woods, where we over- 
took Ali and his fifty horsemen. They were lodged in some low 
shepherds' tents near the wells. As the company was numerous, 
the tents could scarcely accommodate us all ; and I was ordered 
to sleep in the open space, in the centre of the tents, where 
every one might observe my motions. During the night, there 
was much lightning from the north-east ; and about daybreak 
a very heavy sand-wind commenced, which continued with 
great violence until four in the afternoon. The quantity of sand 
which passed to the westward in the course of this day, must 
have been prodigiously great. At times it was impossible to look 
up; and the cattle were so tormented by the particles lodging 
in their ears and eyes, that they ran about like mad creatures, 
and I was in continual danger of being trampled to death by 
them. 
May 28th. Early in the morning the Moors saddled their 
horses, and Ali's chief slave ordered me to get in readiness. 
In a little time the same messenger returned, and taking my boy 
by the shoulder, told him in the Mandingo language, that " Ali 
was to be his master in future and then turning to me, " the 
business is settled at last (said he); " the boy, and every thing 
but your horse, goes back to Bubaker ; but you may take the 
old fool (meaning Johnson the interpreter) with you to Jarra." 
I made him no answer ; but being shocked beyond description 
at the idea of losing the poor boy, I hastened to Ali, who was 
at breakfast before his tent, surrounded by many of his cour- 
tiers. I told him (perhaps in rather too passionate a strain,) that 
