CHAP. IX. 
RETURN TO TRIPOLI. 
327 
much by the sharpness of their bite. At seven we stopped at the 
wells and castle of Bonjem ^^ist^, having made thirty-five miles. We 
were all on the alert this night, having been informed that a party 
of Orfilly, or Arabs of Benioleed, were encamped in a small cluster of 
date trees which were in sight from the well, and robbing every one 
that passed. They had tapped all the palms, and were living on 
lackbi, and the flesh of any stray camels they could find. A little 
artful boy, under pretence of wanting a skin of water, came to the 
well to reconnoitre, and on being questioned, gave some very 
suspicious answers ; however, I suppose the report he made of our 
being constantly on guard secured us a quiet rest. A very heavy 
dew fell during the night ; and we were aware that wild animals 
were prowling round us. 
Wednesday, March 8th. — -Having filled four days' water, at 
twelve went on and encamped about four miles IST.W. of Bonjem, 
to let the camels feed on the bushes, which were in great number. 
The day was very sultry, and the slaves had oil given them to 
grease themselves. I observed, that near the wells of Bonjem, the 
ground swarms with a species of tick, which attacks man and beast, 
is very nimble, and causes severe pain by its bite. 
Thursday, March 9th. — W e set off at eight in a very thick fog, 
which rendered it impossible to distinguish objects at a few yards 
distance. Our road was over a hilly gravelly ground, and we passed 
one or two Wadeys thickly set with bushes of talhh. Here I had 
an attack of hemma, and remained behind with my horse, that I 
might He down and relieve the pain. At about one o'clock, being 
a little recovered, I mounted and followed the track of the camels, 
but soon lost it in a gravelly plain. I proceeded, in hopes of again 
finding it ; but as we were amongst steep hills, all of nearly the 
same appearance, I could form no idea between which of them the 
Kaffle had taken its course. I ascended the highest hill to look 
