FATIGUES OF THE MARCH. 
51 
bursting of the water-skins, the straying of the 
camels, might produce incalculable sufferings, and 
even death. Be-Selameh el Hamadah !" then, with 
all my heart. JBe-Selameh ! be- Selameh ! again 
rings through the caravan, as we reach at length 
our camping-ground, and throw ourselves at full- 
length under the pleasing shade. Even the camel- 
drivers were so fatigued, that they stretched out as 
soon as the command to halt was given, and let 
their animals stray at will, without taking the 
trouble to unload them. I had observed the same 
supineness during our halts all through this trying 
district, wdiich seems to oppress their imaginations as 
well as prostrate their bodies. Several times I had 
been obliged myself to collect wood and make a fire 
to rally our lagging servants. Indeed, on more 
than one occasion I was compelled to exert my 
personal authority. On the third night, particularly, 
I wished all the people to rest one hour. The camel- 
drivers resisted this reasonable request, and were 
backed by Yusuf. When it became a question be- 
tween myself and my interpreter, I jumped off my 
camel and stopped the caravan. The chaouch 
supported me, and in this case at least behaved very 
well. If we had continued all night, we should have 
made a march of sixteen hours, — too much for the 
blacks, and indeed for any man on his feet. 
On the whole, however, I have to observe, that as 
we approach Fezzan our camel-drivers are getting 
more civil and obliging. Is this the genial effect of 
