SLAVE-CARAVAN NEWS FROM A-HEAD. 183 
Dr. Bartli compares the Tuaricks of Ghat and 
the Haghar to lions and tigers, and the Kailouees to 
snakes. The comparison well hits off their outward 
characteristics, but, as Overweg says, we must not 
judge of these people by the ordinary rules of 
morality, or apply to them an European standard. 
I suspect we shall have to put up with still more 
extraordinary ^-pecimens of human nature. 
We were proceeding, engaged in noticing the 
various colours and forms of the granite, when 
there appeared advancing through the ravine a-head 
a number of moving figures. At first, of course, we 
were a little alarmed ; but it turned out to be only 
a slave caravan — about twenty camels and forty 
slaves. One of the little boys had an immensely large 
head — quite a phenomenon. We, of course, eagerly 
questioned the merchants about Sahara news, and 
especially as to whether the Tuaricks had made their 
appearance at Falezlez or Tajetterat. They had 
neither seen nor heard of the hostile party ; and 
perhaps we may hope that all this is a rumour. 
However, it looked very like truth ; and* possibly, 
Sidi Jafel may know perfectly well that there is no, 
occasion to hurry. The Tanelkums are now about 
four days in advance of us, and may receive the first 
brunt of the attack. These slave-dealers tell us, 
that from Falezlez to the place where we are to 
be robbed and murdered is four days of dismal 
desert, without water — suffering before sacrifice. 
We are getting into the heart of the Sahara at last. 
