170 
DETHRONED SULTAN. 
country weak and unable to protect themselves, were 
reduced to slavery by a Tuarick prince. The slaves 
here answer to the serfs of Russia, with the exception 
that they may be taken away and sold in other 
countries. 
10th. — The morning was cool because of the 
wind. They held a souk, or market, to-day near us. 
Provisions were very cheap. I was greatly amused 
to see the small quantities of sunbal which Mahadee 
had laid out for two zekkas of ghaseb. For myself I 
was much plagued by the women, who all admire 
my beard ; not, certainly, my red nose, which is 
terribly scorched and peeled by the sun. 
Overweg visited the dethroned Sultan of Asoudee, 
who is living here in state, in the midst of his 
slaves. He holds a sort of court, and, contrary to 
the free customs of the Tuaricks, he permits slaves 
who approach him to prostrate themselves and throw 
dust on their heads. He is the uncle of the present 
Sultan of Asoudee, and is called Masouarji. In his 
fallen condition he gave Overweg a hospitable re- 
ception, and a present of dates, which was duly 
acknowledged. 
Yusuf, refusing to do some translation which I 
requested him, now forfeits all claims to my service. 
I told him, to-day, to go off to Kanou. Afterwards 
I arranged with him to go with me to Zinder, where, 
before the governor, I hope to get clear of him ; for 
he is now of little use, and costs me more than all 
my servants together. 
