CHRISTIAN SPIES — MONEY. 
293 
share in your councils without sharing in your 
responsibility, and who naturally seek the shortest 
and easiest method of getting over all difficulties. 
The conclusion of the arrangement had a tranquil- 
lising effect upon our encampment, especially on 
my worthy German colleagues. 
The people have complained to En-Noor that we 
are "writing the country." This is an old complaint, 
and pervades all Northern Africa and the Desert, 
that the Christians come first to write a country, 
and afterwards invade or capture it." Travellers, 
therefore, especially when they venture to use the 
pen in public, are looked upon as spies, which may 
in part account for the rough treatment they some- 
times receive. 
Every place has certain things especially in 
demand. Here nothing goes down but white calico 
and very small looking-glasses, which shut up in 
boxes. With these we purchase the greater part 
of our provisions. There is a little cotton-money 
about. Our encampment sometimes resembles a 
market. The people are curious to observe every 
action which differs from theirs. When I pro- 
menade a little for exercise, they immediately turn 
their eyes upon me with astonishment, and some 
come to ask what I do that for. I reply by signs,"^ 
feeling my legs and stretching them. This proves 
* It is astonishing how few of the Kailouees speak Arabic. The 
few terms and expressions they are acquainted with are only those of 
commerce. 
