PROFANATION OF THE HOLY CITY. 
97 
the road. When this took place there were a few- 
people at Tintalous, who, on hearing the news, came 
off' immediately to us after En-Noor, so that now 
there does not remain a single inhabitant in the 
village. The people of the razzia were much dis- 
appointed at finding no more camels, all those of 
the villages hereabouts, and indeed through all 
Aheer, being gone to fetch salt from Bilma. They 
wished to make up the number of camels which the 
Sultan of Aghadez took away from them. Of 
course, when the salt-caravan returns, an effort will 
be made to avenge this insult on the holy city of 
Aheer — this profanation of the abode of marabouts ! 
It is singular, nevertheless, that only a year ago 
some neighbouring tribes, thinking these holy men 
had too much wealth, carried off a large number 
of their camels. This is the much-vaunted place 
amongst the credulous Moorish merchants of the 
coast, where theft and robbery are unknown ! 
2\st. — A foggy November morning! But this 
change of the atmosphere is very rare, and soon 
passes away. It is amazing how steady the seasons 
are, and how they roll, each bringing its accustomed 
weather and times. 
Yesterday I began my Bornou studies, not 
knowing whether I shall go first to Bornou or 
Soudan. I intend, if my health be preserved, to 
make a dictionary of the Bornou and Soudan 
languages together, for the sake of commerce and 
general information. I hope Government will 
VOL. II. H 
