INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 
i21 
wrested the musket from him, and made signs for us to retreat. 
The boy, being terrified at this treatment, attempted to make 
his escape in the night ; but was prevented by the vigilance of 
the Moors, who guarded us with strict attention ; and at night 
always went to sleep by the door of the hut, in such a situa- 
tion that it was almost impossible to pass, without stepping 
upon them. 
March 12. We departed from Deena towards Benowm, 
and about nine o'clock came to a Korree, whence the Moors 
were preparing to depart to the southward, on account of the 
scarcity of water ; here we filled our soofroo, and continued our 
journey over a hot sandy country, covered with small stunted 
shrubs, until about one o'clock, when the heat of the sun obliged 
us to stop. But our water being expended, we could not pru- 
dently remain longer than a few minutes to collect a little gum, 
which is an excellent succedaneum for water ; as it keeps the 
mouth moist, and allays, for a time, the pain in the throat. 
About five o'clock we came in sight of Benowm, the residence 
of Ali. It presented to the eye a great number of dirty looking 
tents, scattered, without order, over a large space of ground ; 
and among the tents appeared large herds of camels, cattle, and 
goats. We reached the skirts of this camp, a little before sun- 
set, and, with much entreaty, procured a little water. My 
arrival was no sooner observed, than the people who drew water 
at the wells threw down their buckets ; those in the tents 
mounted their horses ; and men, women, and children, came 
running or galloping towards me. I soon found myself sur- 
rounded by such a crowd, that I could scarcely move ; one pulled 
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