158 
DESCRIPTION OF GHAT. 
CHAPTER X. 
Approach Ghat — Description of the Town — The Oasis — Reminis- 
cences of a former Visit — Azgher Tuaricks — The Governor — 
Political Authority — The Sheikhs — Protection of Strangers — 
The Litham — Business — Reception — Meetings of Sheikhs — 
Disputes — Tax on liberated Slaves — Extortion practised on us — 
Discussion on the Treaty — Scramble for Presents — Haj Ahmed 
disinterested — Hateetah plays double — More Presents and fur- 
ther Annoyances — Mahommed Kafa — Escort of Kailouees-^ 
A Visit from Ouweek and the Bandit of Ghadamez — Observa- 
tions on the Treaty — Collection of Dialogues — The Great Ex- 
hibition. 
We were up early on the morning of tlie 18th, and 
prepared to make oar official approach to the town 
of Ghat, which was now distant only two hoars. I 
had already visited the place, and was familiar with 
its aspect; but must introduce a few words of de- 
scription for the sake of the reader of the })resent 
narrative. Ghat is situated on the spur of a lofty 
hill, which overlooks it from the north. It is sur- 
rounded by miserable wails not more than ten feet 
high, pierced by six weak gates. The houses are 
not whitewashed, like those of Moorish towns, but 
retain the dirty hue of the unburnt brick and mud 
with which they are built. A single minaret worthy 
