ACCOUNT OF THE TANELKUMS. 
275 
had with the robbers, their conduct was regular and 
brave: once or twice only they seemed to waver. 
But probably, had their own interests been immi- 
nently exposed, they would have abandoned us to 
save themselves, at which we should not have been 
surprised. Had there been a regular battle, in 
vrhich they had taken part, the road would certainly 
have been closed to them ever afterwards. 
Like all Tuaricks, these Tanelkums are great 
beggars, and such of them as were with us allowed 
no opportunity to escape of getting something out 
of us. They are always accompanied by a few 
Haghars or Azghers. In features they are for the 
most part European; a few only are marked by 
negro characters: but nearly all are very dark 
in complexion. They are generally good-looking, 
tall, and slightly made. Their manners are quite 
Tuarick, and they speak a regular Tuarick dialect. 
They also speak a little Arabic, and understand the 
Hausa. As to religion, they are very devout and 
superstitious, and remain long at their prayers. 
The huckster-women of the town continue to 
visit us, bringing their sma,ll wares. Many of them 
have their faces painted very picturesquely with 
green and yellow. They are mere negroes in fea- 
tures. These women bring very small quantities of 
the dark-brown rice of Soudan, wdth ghaseb, onions, 
and other little things. 
I find that our servants are to-day in better 
spirits, because we have got a supply of provisions. 
